A. Rosich,

I think what is making this complicated is that there must've been different transmissions offered in different markets.

W124's sold in the U.S. never got a 5 speed transmission. 99% of all W124's have a 4 speed automatic transmission, and a tiny portion were ordered with a 5 speed manual.

All 300E's in 1990 (or 1991) had the 4 speed auto, but with first gear start. In 1993, with the 320E (misbadged as a 300E), the rear end ratio was changed to 3:27 to 1.

500E's never got first gear start. I don't know about the 400E / E420.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".