Starts in 2nd Gear? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jmana · #1 08-09-2006, 07:17 AM

I have heard about some Mercedes starting out on 2nd gear, but I am not sure if my 300D was supposed to do that or not. Can someone tell me if it is supposed to start out in 2nd, and if it's not supposed to how do I correct the problem? It only stays in 2nd gear for a second, and immediately downshifts into 1st, which doesn't seem normal to me.

vstech · #2 08-09-2006, 08:43 AM

from whaat I have read here and other forums, the diesels do not start in second. neither of my MBD's have started in second.
when accelerating, both shift through all 4 gears.
John

#3 08-09-2006, 09:05 AM

My 1981 300D is a first gear start, however, it is only there for a moment.
My 1985 300D is a second gear start unless you put the pedal to the floor.
I have driven a 1984 300D that was a first gear start. It took off quickly without even trying.

redassag00 · #4 08-09-2006, 09:29 AM

What a timely thread, I was just thinking how annoying 2nd gear starts are.

My moms 83 300SD used to start in 2nd, so did this 85 300D I drove once.

My car starts in first if I mash it, but when its warm, I have to manually put her there. Anyone know if theres a way to get a 1st gear start all the time without constantly having to put it there?

rg2098 · #5 08-09-2006, 09:34 AM

Mine always starts in 1st when at a complete stop. The problem is when going around a corner without stopping it won't downshift all the way and will cause slow acceleration.

wheelguru · #6 08-09-2006, 10:20 AM

My 78 and 79 both started in second. Using the kickdown switch or gearshift is the only way to get them into first.

H-townbenzoboy · #7 08-09-2006, 01:03 PM

MB diesels had 2nd gear start until 1980. From 1981 and on, they were supposed to have 1st gear start. I don't know why some post 1981 models here are having 2nd gear start though.

300D79 · #8 08-09-2006, 03:42 PM

The 79 300D certainly does start in 2nd gear. Does anyone know why MB did this? I had asked this question a few weeks ago in a different thread and didn't really seem to get a straight answer.

Was MB afraid that NA 300Ds would be a little too quick off the line

I would think that a 1st gear start (by default) would help significantly with the off the line acceleration; especially without a turbo.

Cheers

Rudolphrocks · #9 08-09-2006, 05:42 PM

Maybe MB was more concerned about a gentle (luxurious if you will

start than a break neck porsche start...

Mario T · #10 08-09-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmana

I have heard about some Mercedes starting out on 2nd gear, but I am not sure if my 300D was supposed to do that or not. Can someone tell me if it is supposed to start out in 2nd, and if it's not supposed to how do I correct the problem? It only stays in 2nd gear for a second, and immediately downshifts into 1st, which doesn't seem normal to me.

MY 1981 240 D always starts in 2nd, unless I kick the floor switch, which gives me a faster start. I do it only when I really need it, not always.

xafman · #11 08-09-2006, 08:11 PM

I had a 76 300D that started in second gear and I presently have an 84 300TD Turbo and it also starts in second.

xafman
84 300 TD Turbo 182,000 mi

1983/300CD · #12 08-09-2006, 10:00 PM

Mine always starts in first. I've read somewhere that there is a transmission fix or modification that results in a second gear start. Does anyone remember that from a previous post? I didn't really pay attention because it didn't concern me.

greasybenz · #13 08-09-2006, 10:30 PM

can someone explain this to me.
My dads dodge cummins has a 6 speed manual trans. He says diesels have to start in second, he was teaching me to use the manual trans on his truck. He explained that when a diesel starts in first it drags itself unless your towing something heavy.

When i tried it in first the truck did drag, and didnt want to go any faster then 15mph in first. When i started in second, it took off quickly and then i accelerated from there. He says it was the same with the VW vanagon diesel, and thats a small 1.6L non-turbo diesel. He said it would drag in first.

But as some people state here, that some MB's start in first. But are they slow in first? do they drag themselves until in 2nd?

fastpakr · #14 08-09-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

can someone explain this to me.
My dads dodge cummins has a 6 speed manual trans. He says diesels have to start in second, he was teaching me to use the manual trans on his truck. He explained that when a diesel starts in first it drags itself unless your towing something heavy.

When i tried it in first the truck did drag, and didnt want to go any faster then 15mph in first. When i started in second, it took off quickly and then i accelerated from there. He says it was the same with the VW vanagon diesel, and thats a small 1.6L non-turbo diesel. He said it would drag in first.

But as some people state here, that some MB's start in first. But are they slow in first? do they drag themselves until in 2nd?

Doesn't make any sense. In his case, he's got a very underdriven first gear for starting a heavy load, which you just don't need for normal driving. That it would 'drag' makes no sense whatsoever, though. For all practical purposes, consider second on that transmission to be 'first', and the true first gear to be 'low'.

greasybenz · #15 08-09-2006, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastpakr

Doesn't make any sense. In his case, he's got a very underdriven first gear for starting a heavy load, which you just don't need for normal driving. That it would 'drag' makes no sense whatsoever, though. For all practical purposes, consider second on that transmission to be 'first', and the true first gear to be 'low'.

Can you explain what makes no sense for "that it would drag"

When i say that, i mean it literally. The truck just wont accelerate enough to move into the next gear. The way my dad explained it is how you said it, "For all practical purposes, consider second on that transmission to be 'first', and the true first gear to be 'low' "
So essentially its a 5speed transmission since the 1st gear isnt used.

But again im still confused on this whole start in 1st or start in 2nd deal.

My dad also told me the gas engine with a manual is much different then a diesel with a manual.

He said that if he was to take the mustang conv. up a hill and start in second the engine will cut off. And that he has to start in first on the mustang for it to go up the hill.
The diesel he could do it in either gear but 1st would be slow so it would have to be in second for it to go quickly up the hill.

If im not making any sense just let me know....just dont kill me!