Bought a '95 E320 wagon recently (decal says: Built Nov. 95). Tranny indeed starts in 1st gear unlike my 280SL. Problem is that, last week, I needed to beat another car waiting at the light, so I could change lanes: I actually spun one rear tire. Pavement was a little wet. Never happened to me before in any car. Had to ease up a little. (Left the other cars like standing still). I normally don't drive that way. Now i'm thinking, I'd like to have that engine/transmission in my 280SL. This is a really hot car but you can drive it very sedately if you go easy on the throttle. How reliable is it? I'll let you know in a few years. Rear windows leak. Had to fix AC relay. Look at my earlier post.