RJ

The shift selector in 'S' is not the same as default D setting for unadapted selectors, when the switch is in "S" allows you to engage first gear without having to engage the kick down button which entails pushing the gas pedal all the way through (go WOT).

It does, Makes the car a bit more responsive, and you decide when to have a 1st gear start or a 2nd gear start.

Now, when the switch in 'E' , 2nd gear start is set as default, meaning that My 500E starts in 2nd unless I apply a kikdown (go WOT) to set off the firs gear, in which case It does starts in 1st.

I see the Transmission Mode Selector as a more cosmetic variance of the ‘1st gear starts Kit’. I use this switch very much in my 500E. Believe me!! It is a sweet option… my other Mercedes comes without it, and I whish it had it.

I’m not a technician, what I’m sheering here, is just my own perspective and a little research on the subject. The expert is Satish Tummala; maybe somebody can get his opinion on the subject.

Best

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500E, Mercedes 1992 Pearl Blue
G500, Mercedes 2001 Metallic Beige
250SE Cabrio Mercedes 1968
300SE Coupe Mercedes 1964
220SE "Ponton" Cabrio Mercedes 1960