The 1987 has a 2nd gear start, the '91 has a 1st gear start. For everyday driving I vastly prefer the second gear start to the first - it gives you a much smoother response off the line, and there's no 1-2 shift lurch. Plus, if you want to go fast, you always have the option of manually shifting.

The '91 feels more responsive, probably due to different gearing, but the 1-2 shift can be a real neck-snapper if you're not paying attention to the throttle.

So overall, which do you prefer if you had to choose one?

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

2nd gear start. You can make it go fast if you want to (shift it manually), and you can be lazy and smooth the rest of the time. With the 1st gear start, it's kinda hard to go the other way.

First gear start on this transmission (722.whatever) feels like it doesn't really belong. Almost impossible to tell if it will shift soft or break your neck. I love my 300SE (most of the time ), but the first gear start compromises driveability. My 300D has a better 1-2 shift by comparison.

Now, of course I have a choice, and I can start in default 2nd most of the time which I do. But I hate when I inadvertandly dig into the throttle too much and it snaps into first for 3 seconds and slams back into second. happens when i have the AC cranked in the summer sometimes.

I would not do the bergswork modification to the V.B. for this reason. I would however, upgrade to a newer transmission with a smooth first gear if possible. think they are electronically linked to the motor though, at least that is the case in the V8 124 cars. Maybe no with the 104 powered cars.

If anyone knows of someway to make this 1-2 softer I'm all ears...

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

Are you saying, like, when I'm coming up out of my street and get on it a little bit, that sudden slam is a gear change and not slipping? I hate that tranny. What happens if you floor it from a stop and keep the pedal down until 4th gear? Is it hard or soft shifts? (1995 E320 / m104) I don't get the hard / soft shift thing. Sometimes it takes off, shifts very smoothly 1-2, then a somewhat firm 3rd, etc. Sometimes a very hard 1-2. Can't tell, and the fluid / filter was just changed, the MB indie tech said all was well with the trans. Someone says shorting the kickdown switch under the pedal will result in holding the gear longer and easier kickdowns.

Any ideas?

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro