Transmission troubles and 1st-gear-start
 

My '95 E320 transmission decided to start in second, drive in second, and only with much high-rpm sometimes go into 3rd gear, ... which makes my 300mile daily commute a bit unlikely with this transmission.

It shifts solidly when it does, fluid is the same as for the past 9,000miles since change, full and red. So, ... I'm thinking it's time to swap out the valve-body.

Unfortunately, I can only find 300E (M103) transmissions around.

What has to change to make a 300E transmission start in 1st gear? Is there something from my E320 valve-body that can be installed in the 300E's valve-body to restore my 1st-gear start?

Not happy, going to be commuting in the 454 Suburban for the week, probably cheaper to rent a car.

Thanks for any help (cross-posted in diesel forum).

Most likely is a valve body issue. Same Band used for 1st gear start as well as 2nd gear start.