Not sure about the SDL, but many MB's start in 2nd gear by design (my 89 E class is one example). From a stop, try moving the shift lever down to low, and back into drive. If you start out in 1st gear after doing that, it's working fine. Another way is to stomp on it from a start....it should downshift (hard) to first and away you go.

Worth a try (if you haven't already)...

__________________
Thanks,
Mike

89 300E 175k (sold and missed)
89 Porsche 911 / 3.6 V-ram / #94

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