JCE . . .You are likely right, I never really took too much notice of which gear it is in when I start. Do you think however that this ' cold start ' delayed shift is normal. I dont have any manauals yet for this car and the handbook is all in German. I am guessing it is as the rest of the shifts are fine once I reach the 'T' junction at the end of the road. It would make ( Mercedes ) sense not to start off in first now you mention it !