400E always starts in first gear
 

Good Morning from florida;

Let me put this question to the panel. I have a 92 400E which always starts in 1st gear. My 87 300 started in second but I just thought it was a design modification. Now from what I read It may be that sometning is wrong. Any input guys?

Bzoo,

All 400es start off in 1st gear. Due to the tall rear differential ratio, starting off in 2nd, like the 300e or 500e, would not be good.

So all is working fine.

Hope this helps.

-David

David that is music to my ears. Thanks. I see we have something in common. Maybe you could shed some light on the shifting pattern then. When the car shifts from first to second it almost immediately upshifts to third unless I am really on the pedal. Can you tell me if this is normal too. Thanks
Brian.

My '91 300E always starts in 1st gear as well. I'm thinking that an option that came with the car is the reason -- like limited slip differential? Not sure, but I like it.

~Paul

Bzoo,

Sorry for the delay. I didn't see your reply last month.

The shift pattern sounds like it is just an out of adjustment bowden cable. Do a search on "bowden" and you will see a few threads regarding the subject.

There is a good one that explaines in good detail how to adjust it on a M119 engine.

Let us know if that resolves the shifting issue.

I think the "1st gear start" started in the 1991 model year.

Bo

Yup, that is what I have heard also.