1st Gear Start
 

I noticed some people (Rainmaker, 500E) have installed a '1st Gear Start' on their cars.
Now, I understand the MB boxes start off in 2nd, then changing down to 1st if you use lots of throttle, which gives quite a delay. But in my 190E, you simply shift the lever into '2', and if you then stop or slow down enough, it locks it into 1st gear, perfect for starting off. It will only change up if you hit ~6000rpm - you could drive all day in 1st at 5000rpm and it wouldn't change. This is also the case for other 190s, so not just my car. Does the 300 - 500E not do this, or amy I missing something? Why don't people give it a try?

later,

Russ

500Es always start in second. However, it can be overridden by shifting to "B" (for engine Braking).This can be a bit awkward, so several members have chosen to avoid such ministrations and installed a mechanism to ensure 1st gear is selected every time.

And in a 500, if you punch it it only takes a moment to jump down to first-much quicker than my 300.

Yes, the 300s do that too. whenever I wanna get a good start (either at the line or whenever i'm racing...or whenever i just feel like speeding) I always shift down to 2 which sets me in 1st gear to start out with. Then at full throttle it'll go up to about 6500-7000 rpm and then shift to 2nd. I would advise people to be careful though and REMEMBER to shift to 3rd or D when the 2nd gear approaches the redline. There is an automatic fuel cut off at like 8000 rpm (somewhere around there) which cuts off your fuel so you don't blow your engine completely. I do think however that this type of start is damaging to your transmission slightly and it should be done speratically and not just every time you come to a light.

Shubs on Dubs

modify for first gear starts
 

How do you modify your tranny for first gear starts?

You modify 190 and 300E valve bodies to start off in 1st gear with an exchange valve body. For V8 and V12 cars up to 1995 (except 400E/E420 which start off in 1st gear), there is a control unit kit that I can put together for proper 1st gear starts.

Good for the motor, nice responsive transmission, and good safety for quick left turns, etc.

$500 for the electronic kit (takes an hour to install tops), or $500/exchange for the valve body for 4 and 6 cylinder cars.

Satish

Thanks for the info. I don't have that kinda cash right now for that but in the future, ill be in touch.

Hey stummala, I have an 87 300E. I would be very interested in a kit if you could provide one. I would also need complete instuctions, my mechanic has never done this procedure before. Also could you please tell me what exactly the kit includes

Thanks :D :D

For your car, it would be a completely rebuilt valve body assembly. There's really nothing your mechanic needs to do internal to the valve body assembly. Too many people screw these up and this is a delicate assembly. I send you a complete valve body with the 1st gear start valving installed. You simply swap it out with your old one and send me back your old unit.

First, I need you to verify what the numbers are which are stamped in BLACK INK on the bottom of your valve body. NOT the MB part number (which is cast into the bottom as well). Rather, the stamped black ink number.

Regards,

Satish

I thought it was a ssimple modification to the position of a spring on one of the valves as detailed by the attached photo.

Nice try! Go ahead and pull that spring outta there and drive the car....it'll start off in 1st gear all right. Then:

1. the car will remain in 1st gear until you feather the gas near redline at which point it will shift to 2nd for a second then engage 3rd.

2. The 3-2 brake shift will be affected (almost missing).

Your diagram doesn't mention any modification to the check balls, nor enlarging the bore on one of the passages, etc.

Satish

Hey Satish, does your mod basically change a pre 92 tranny valve into a 92+ valve? Cause I heard that 92+ 300s and 320s had first gear start...

Nope, I modify the existing valve body. The later E-class DID have 1st gear start but also used a completely different valve body. Therefore, if you want to install a '92 valve body into an earlier E-class, you must also change the upper plate. The valve body alone is $650 from Mercedes. Add another couple hundred for the plate. You may as well just swap the whole trans if you're going to spend $850 for a valve body and plate.

Satish

Actually, on a 190 (I've tested this) you can just shift down and back up to "D" at a stop, and it will stay in 1st, then shift up.
No need to manual shift to drive after starting... Try it... BOBB

I think the 400E starts in 1st, but if you don't push it, it goes
to second and at a certain point, it takes a 200lb foot to get it
to downshift and get moving; a good 3 second delay! I hate that...

Anyway to speed up the downshift without having to manual shift?
Tks
BOBB

This also works in my 300E, all i do when im at a complete stop is put it into the lowest gear then shift back up into D and it starts in 1st gear. The only bad thing is it dosn't stay in first very long. Try it :D

I agree, this works on my 190E-2.6 too. At full stop move lever to '2' then back to 'D'. Grabs 1st then shifts normally. If you really step on it then it holds 1st up to 6000 RPM then grabs 2nd with a bang. My C36 ALWAYS starts in 1st though...