ASR defeat switch vs first-gear start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tom woolner · #1 11-28-2002, 10:56 PM

Guys,
If you could only have one option for your 500E, would you choose ASR defeat switch, or first gear start? Neil, I know you have both. I am short on cash, especially after paying $1,000 for tires and alignment that I had not anticipated. I can only do one more performance upgrade this year. By the way, I have 17" rims with P 03s.
Tom
92 500E

aldedmon · #2 11-29-2002, 12:14 AM

All the newer Benz' have em. Pity our don't. Not sure if the new AMG line or any newer MB start in 2nd, but this can be overriden in our cars easy enough via shifting to B and back. That "overide" function is good enough for me and not worth the redundancy afforded by the bergwerks override unit

Glen · #3 11-29-2002, 12:53 AM

Tom,
The solution is simple enough. Get the 1st gear start this year, heck there's only 5 weeks left in the year...and then get the ASR defeat in January

Seriously, I'd get the 1st gear start first. You can enjoy better acceleration from a stop and the ASR can save your butt in slippery conditions. This is what I plan to do, 1st gear start then ASR defeat but not until sometime in the spring.

#4 11-29-2002, 07:16 AM

Yeah, what Glen said, 1st gear start first, then couple it up with ASR defeat later...

If you don't like spending money on tires, don't get ASR defeat, just a thought....

David Hendy · #5 11-29-2002, 12:26 PM

Get an ASR switch first. You may never get a 1st gear start, or you may not have the money, or your cat may have puppies (dog ate my homework or whatever) so you only get one switch.

You can overide 1st gear with the gear selector, you can't overide ASR.

I am not sure how much help it is in bad weather. Why would you want the computer shutting off the throttle when you need it most? In the two years before I got an ASR switch, ASR never did me any good (it nearly put me in the barriers a couple of times though) .

Thats my 2 pence worth.

rjfjr1 · #6 11-29-2002, 01:39 PM

Tom,

I faced very similar circumstances from a budget consideration and elected to go 1st gear start ($430 w/sport mode and E/S switch) which I installed myself in 3 hours without problem three weeks ago (Bergwerks, electronic vs. new valve-body). I'm very happy with the results.

I'm happy to help you install if we can pick a convenient date/time over the next few weeks. I'm in Lafayette, so easily done.

ASR defeat is a bit more expensive and I understand may be out of the DIY realm. It also seems like it would be best matched with a limited slip diff., which we don't have. So it's a slippery slope, once I get the ASR defeat next year, I'll be looking to jump in with both feet and upgrade the diff.

Happy Holidays!

Glen · #7 11-29-2002, 02:21 PM

David obviously knows what he's talking about, however, I think his perspective is based on tracking the car. In that case, ASR defeat is more beneficial. My perspective is from the street and leaving a light quickly without having to move the shift lever. I don't necessarily leave the line hard every time, I just don't want to be caught off guard, fumbling

for 1st gear.

suginami · #8 11-29-2002, 04:08 PM

Are you sure that these cars don't have limited slip differential?

This is what GM called posi-traction, and I just can't believe that that these cars don't have it.

I mean, if all the W126 560 SEL's have limited slip differential, then why wouldn't MB give their highest performance model the same thing?

It doesn't make and sense to me. Are you sure???

Glen · #9 11-29-2002, 04:25 PM

Paul,
124.036's do NOT have LSD's. ASR is called upon to immitate an LSD by applying the brakes to the slipping wheel and if necessary, retarding timing to limit engine power.

ke6dcj · #10 12-01-2002, 09:24 PM

Glen is correct about ASR giving limited-slip "like" functions, although it's not as good as the real deal (the wagon has a 3.07 limited-slip diff).

If I had to do it again, I'd do 1st gear start first, then ASR defeat.

ASR has saved my butt in the pouring rain at 80 MPH on a tight (thank goodness banked) turn (380 to 280 North interchange in SSF/Airport area).

I do turn off ASR on the track though.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG (wish it had ASR in the rain!)
1993 500E

run.exe · #11 12-02-2002, 04:50 PM

1) RENNtech ASR defeat switch (cheaper)
2) RENNtech 1st gear start valve-body

do things at your own pace; you will appreciate the results far more...

Cannoli · #12 12-03-2002, 02:22 AM

Tom:

Glen brought up a very good point that you'd save your tires (money) if you retain the ASR feature. If it is a money issue, budget yourself. Do what you can that's within your means. (Damn, I'm sounding like my parents!

)

Me, I like control. I currently have a 2.6 190E and let me tell you, the acceleration between the 500E is night and day. To move quickly, I always shift manually in the 190E, so starting in first gear via the ''gate" is second nature. In contrast, I haven't used the "gate" in the 500E that often, though my instincts are still sharp and have started in first gears serveral times when the situation called for it. But the ASR is not very "natural" to me; yes it can save your @ss at times (and tires), but when I'm expecting the tail to move, to shimmy, to position it self, it goes limp.

It is like over-cooked pasta ... yuk. I like to have control over my driving "moment".

So, if I was in your shoes, ASR defeat first, manual shift into 1st when I need to, and budget for tires and 1st gear start.

My 2 cents.

jfiero · #13 12-04-2002, 11:22 AM

I bought my 500E with both mods already done. Of the two, the one I appreciate most driving every day (as I know you do, Tom) is first gear start.

ASR defeat is a nice feature if you want to spin the tires at launch (it is VERY fun), but unless you are going to track the car and want to drift, I don't think it presents a lot of every day benefits. Ask youself this: how often has ASR impeded your driving? If the answer is almost never, go with first gear start. You will enjoy it every time you leave the house or office -- to say nothing of all the stoplights in between.

-- John

ESVIC · #14 12-07-2002, 11:22 PM

Where is the best place to order the 1st gear start and the ASR?

rjfjr1 · #15 12-09-2002, 10:44 PM

www.bergwerks.com