That is incorrect ~ the change to first gear start was made in U.S.A. models in mid year 1981 .

My late 1984 300TD graymarket also starts in first gear as has every single post 1981 W123 I've owned or driven .

Many here say that checking and adjusting the modulator's pressure with the vacuum pipe disconnected and the car running and in "D" gear is the critical first step .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better