I'm not 100% sure either, but I'm inclined to believe it was a running change in 1990.

I have Frank Barrett's book, "The Illustrated Buyer's Guide to Mercedes Benz", and in one section of the book he states it went to first gear start in 1990, and in another part of the book says 1991.

I'm sure there are users here that have posted that their 1990 300E has first gear start.

It's a controversy, anyway....

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".