kasendorf

Why does my E450 Cab sometimes start in 1st gear and sometimes in 2nd when at a light?

The_Judge

Depends on what setting you've selected. In "Comfort" 2nd is the lowest gear, 9th is the highest. In "Sport" or "Sport Plus," 1st is the lowest, and IIRC 7th is the highest (these settings, of course, impact your MPG). Or at least that's how it works on my 2018 E400.

kasendorf

Actually when driving in “Comfort” sometimes it starts in 1st and other times in 2nd.

The_Judge

I've never seen my 2018 E400C do that, but that doesn't mean it never happens. Or perhaps it was a change in 2019.

kasendorf

I'll check it out in "Sport" mode tomorrow to see what happens.

BenzC400

My old C400 used to start from a stop in 2nd gear in comfort mode and 1st gear in sport and sport plus. The C300 loaners I’ve driven would always start in 1st gear. I assumed that was because the C400’s V6 had enough power and torque to do that. I believe my E53 always starts in 1st gear. I haven’t paid much attention to it though. I’ll check it out this week.