I just purchased a 1977 280 se with an automatic, 104,000 miles. The car appears to have been well cared for. It does not shift into 4th gear. The shifts from 1-2-3 are smooth and appropriate. Any ideas?

Thanks! Paul

I don't know about later model MB's but on my W111 1970 280SE it strarts in 2nd gear unless you floor it. So it may seem like its only shifting 3 gears. 1st is an ultra low acceleration gear.

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1970 280SE Coupe W111
Chassis Number: 111 024 12
Engine Number: 130 980 12
Exterior Color: 180 - Silver Grey Metallic
Interior Color: 243 - Leather Light Red
Transmission # 004470

Hi Paul,

norbtx is correct. When I got my 1977 280E, I thought the same and blamed my poor gas milage on the car not shifting into 4th.

I found out it starts in 2nd gear unless you manually shift it into low or floor it.

Sounds like you got a nice one.

Thanks for the input guy, but when I put it into low gear it starts the same as when it is in drive. At 70mph, then engine is turning about 4300 rpm. It would redline at 85mph - surely this can not be the top speed for this car?

Also, it is remarkably gutless - I realize that it is a heavy car - are yours slower than an average car?

Thanks! Paul

Just a follow up - you guys are correct - the car starts in 2nd gear. It has a very low gear ratio. Thanks for your help!