Hello all --

Been a while since I posted, as I sold my 300D last year, but I am now seriously considering buying a 1985 190D 2.2 w/ an automatic transmission and about 197k on the odometer.

The car needs front brakes and a few items that don't affect driveability: front windows, sunroof, tach and A/C are inoperable. Other than that, it's solid, clean and has very little rust (rare in Minnesota).

The main concern is this: when starting from a stop, the car is in 2nd gear. The car will start in 1st if you manually move the lever from D to 2 and back again, which earns you a brief run in 1st gear and the classic firm 1-2 shift. The other shifts are crisp, no flaring, and the shift points vary with throttle position as they should (not sure if they're perfect, but they didn't ring any alarm bells for me).

The owner claims this is normal for this model, but I am not so sure. As I recall, my '82 300D started in 1st and ran through all the gears from a stop. A search on this forum led me to a thread that hinted this might be normal behavior for the 190D, but I need confirmation before I commit to the purchase (which needs to be soon, or I will lose out to someone else as these cars are hard to find locally).

If this is a problem, what are the best- and worst-case scenarios as far as repairs are concerned? I want a car I can throw a weekend at and have a solid driver, not another project.

Thanks for any insight.

I was shocked to discover that my '96 E300 is designed to start in first. It's probably normal for that car.

either, but i wouldnt let that stop me if the car was good otherwise. i think it is an easily solved problem.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

When I bought my 84 190 D it always started on 2nd unless I floor the gas pedal or at the start of a hill the upshift from first to second was very hard, also second to 3rd had a lot of flare a trip to the MB tech and a new vacuum modulator make a huge difference

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2000 430 ML
2005 S500
87 300 D
61 300 restoring

Yes it is normal. I have a 1985 190d and the manual says that's what it does. supposed to ve easier on the engine.

Thanks for all the insight. I will probably pass on the car, but the seller was relieved to learn that the transmission was acting normally - I think I may have scared him a little. Seems like an honest guy, though, so someone will probably get a solid car.