Every US spec '94 - '95 E320 I have driven start off in 1st gear. Its a tall first as it goes up to 41mph, but it is first. That's strange to start off in second gear in a 24-valver.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)