If you have the 722.3 (which you should), it should take off in 1st gear. Resting in 2nd gear is a 722.1 thing. V8 cars are programmed to start in 2nd, but can downshift to 1st if the kickdown switch is held or the shifter moved to "B" position. 6 cylinder gas cars in the US market have 1st gear disabled for some goofy reason.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]