Thanks again, great information. Not sure at this time if I'm getting the car as it is located in Texas even though the item location on Ebay said Denver. I would have to get it inspected by someone independent in Texas before they ship it here.

On my Q45, I installed a later model transmission computer which allows for a first gear start. Maybe something similiar is available for the Benz. Not sure what the downside would be on a car with ASR as it would likely increase the life of the transmission and the ASR should control any slip on the wet stuff. do the latter models have the first gear start?