European Car magazine did an article on the 500 E and the owner swapped some component for a "european" version so that the car would start off in 1st gear. I was wondering if it was possible to do that for the 1995 C36?

that item was a Euro-Spec throttle body

Throttle body or Valve body?? I'd think the only way to change the first gear start is to alter the valving in the tranny. Renntech offers a kit for under 2K that does that and changes shift harshness and timing for more performance minded people.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Benzmac, correct me if I'm wrong but driving experience and reading tech literature I think the 95 C36 does start out in 1st gear as-is. 500E's start in 2nd, but some "normal" 6-cyl's and all the 500E/E500's do the 2nd gear start. I could be wrong (and lead footed!) but I believe the AMG massaged tranny in the C36 does start in 1st.

Hope this helps...Lee

My 1998 C43 starts in 1st. I believe the 1996 C36 I drove started in 1st, as well.