This whole 1st gear/2nd gear start thing has me wondering if it's related to the optional ASR (automatic slip control) that was available on 300E's for a certain time period. (on my '91 at least)

My car did not come with ASR, but it seems counterintuitive to put 1st gear start on a car without this feature.

Just a thought.

~Paul

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'91 300E, 214K miles