Does my mb start off in 2nd. gear???

[420benz]

If so what is mb's reason for this.When is 1st. gear used?

[sixto]

It should. It's kind of a default winter mode. If you want to start off in first, shift from D to 2 then back to 2 at a standstill. You'll start off in first.

The reasons are probably steeped MB tradition like using vacuum central locking into the 90s, no tilt steering wheel in a luxury car until the 90s, Becker radios, etc.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

[MTI]

Second gear starts are smoother and extended the gas milage performance of MB cars. On some models, a "S"port and "E"conomy switch was added to the transmission face plate or a kickdown button was fitted behind the gas pedal to engage the lower gear. MB's weren't targeted at the stoplight racers.

[420benz]

Thanks for the reply,i guess it's a German thing.

[sixto]

Originally posted by MTI
MB's weren't targeted at the stoplight racers.

Is this the same MB that did away with second gear starts in the mid-90s?

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

[MTI]

Someone in Stuttgart finally figured out why so many car transporters were on the road from Munich with cars that were selling!