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Gear Selector

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Old 11-27-2006, 09:27 PM
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Gear Selector

Hi there folks, I drive a 1991 560SEL.

I've read bits and pieces about things like "kick down switch" and "2b." I have a dim inkling that this relates to what gear the car starts in, but I have no idea.

I'm probably just an idiot, but if someone could give me the dumbed-down version of what that switch does, and what on earth 2b means. How to use them, what they do... the works. That would be fantastic.

Thanks so much
Old 11-28-2006, 07:47 PM
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Quite a few:)
B is a back torque limiter. If you descending a steep incline you can put the car in B and it shouldn't exceed 1500 rpm. You can also use B to start in first gear (your car under standard conditions starts in 2nd).

You can also click B and then back to D and the car will start in first..

Play with it, it'll all make sense w/ a bit of fiddling. I just wouldn't recommend engaging it while moving, can be a bit harsh..

Jonathan
Old 11-29-2006, 10:22 AM
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Wow, that's a much faster acceleration!

Thanks so much!
Old 12-04-2006, 05:58 PM
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86' 420SEL & 560SEL
Originally Posted by jhodg5kc
B is a back torque limiter. If you descending a steep incline you can put the car in B and it shouldn't exceed 1500 rpm. You can also use B to start in first gear (your car under standard conditions starts in 2nd).

You can also click B and then back to D and the car will start in first..

Play with it, it'll all make sense w/ a bit of fiddling. I just wouldn't recommend engaging it while moving, can be a bit harsh..

Jonathan
Why did Mercedes design the W(126) transmission to start in 2nd gear. Was it for longevity reasons or something else? Also, is there a company other than berkwerks that sells the 1st gear start module?
Old 12-04-2006, 06:34 PM
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Quite a few:)
I have heard it was in part EPA/mileage mandated but IMHO that doesn't make much sense. Starting in 2nd is just a way to use the torque to make for a nice smooth take off...one less shift to unsettle things.

Bergwerks has been NLA for 2-3 years now. You can use the factory FGS module, wire it up and you'll have FGS.

In all honesty I have a BW FGS in my black ECE coupe..after the first couple of weeks the novelty wore off and I leave it 2nd gear start most of the time. Should I want FGS the switch is nice, it's easier then running the selector back to B etc, but considering what was paid for the BW module I now consider it a waste of $$.

Jonathan

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