jwwhitejr92057

Hi,
When I put the car into drive, the car starts out in 2nd gear, rather than 1st. I can manually shift the transmission into 1st and it responds correctly most of the time (sometimes it takes a couple of clicks back and forth betw 2nd and 1st). Also, when in drive, if I punch the gas, the tranny downshifts correctly into first, then away I fly. Just wondering if anyone knows how bad of a problem this is...

It would seem that a solenoid, valve body, or something is not working quite right. I'm not anxious to take it to a shop for fear they'll try to take me for thousands. I only spent $300 for the car (distress sale by a friend who needed cash--and I'm not much better off). It has 158k miles. Otherwise, beautiful car and can tolerate the minor inconvenience of manual/forced downshifts to 1st when desired. Let me know if anyone has any ideas.

Thanks, Joe

Richard / E320

Isn't it designed to start out in second gear, unless under hard throttle?


From an eBay listing:

Auction for Mercedes-Benz first gear start module (new in box)

FGSSwitch Offers: + A dramatic improvement in your car’s performance + Decreased stress for longer engine life + Accurate performance measurements + Complete flexibility in changing first gear shift points (both upshift and downshift) In addition: + No special installation skills are required + Winter driving mode remains intact
Certain Mercedes models start off from a dead start in 2nd gear. Even if you floor the accelerator, it takes a moment to activate the kickdown solenoid and begin to accelerate in 1st gear.

Some people say the cars were designed this way to meet the US emissions regulations in the early 1990’s. Whatever the reason, starting the vehicle in 2nd gear puts unnecessary stress on the engine, while sacrificing vehicle responsiveness and performance.

In the past, Mercedes enthusiasts had few alternatives to solve the First Gear Start problem. These included jury-rigging a Mercedes switch (Part. № 002 545 4132), or using a module made by the now-defunct firm BergWerks.

FGSSwitch is the most functional and flexible solution to the problem of getting control over your car.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...Q5fAccessories

Untertürkheim

The car is designed to start out in 2nd gear to improve traction and comfort. These engines produce so much torque off idle that unless racing, 2nd gear makes for better driving.

jwwhitejr92057

Thanks to both of you for enlightening me on the workings of the Mercedes transmission. The previous owner had told me that it was designed that way, but I refused to believe him. So, the good news is the car runs the way it was designed and no major repairs are needed. I can now give a much needed sigh of relief and continue my slow but steady restoration of this car to its former gracious beauty and elegance. Many, many thanks!

BENZITCH

In the US 126's were designed to start in 2nd for better MPG.

Chadahar

Also yours is a Gen II (9/85-1991)car so you have a first gear start module in the car from the factory. To see if/how it works, while stopped a light, or stopped on your favorite deserted road, simply pull shifter into B position and then return to D. Stomp it and it'll start off in 1st gear and shift by itself through the gears.

jwwhitejr92057

Hi Chadahar,
Thanks for the info... I'll check it out and let you know next time I take the beast out for a spin.

Joe