a '93 should have 1st-gear start IIRC. Maybe it's time for a fluid and filter change? Either that, or a vacuum issue perhaps; I'd double-check the vacuum line from the intake manifold to the tranny 1st. If that's OK, I'd check to see if the vacuum modulator were operating properly.

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1990 190e 2.6 - The only one I can really call "My Car".

1987 190e 2.3 - The donor car's up and running, only mods are Euros and a Sony headunit. My Dad's runabout now.

1990 300e 2.6 - The parents' ride.