Starting in second was not uncommon on MB automatics, as it would also reduce pulling when the car was stopped at a traffic light. If the transmission would be in first gear, the pulling common to automatics would be higher. The torque converter could deal with second gear start. First gear would only be there when the selector would be in L or when you used kickdown to take off.

Later MB developed systems to shift back to first gear upon take-off. The transmission would stand in second, but shift back to first gear. On some models it required the accelerator pedal to be pressed deeply, on others only a slight touch would produce the shift back. MB used the bowden cable, shift rod or vacuum to shift back, depending on model/engine.