Check the kickdown switch under the gas pedal. Try unplugging it. I have never seen the fuel pump relay cause this but it could. It will be disconnected by unplugging the KD switch anyway so thats the simple way to test. If the problem goes away one will probably find the switch bad; sticking usually.

BTW, 1st gear is to go fast... MB made the car start in 2nd gear for various US emissions and fuel consumption rules. The early cars started in first. After 90 (I think ) the 300e started in 2nd and had to be floored to get first (like passing gear).

MB has done this for other reasons, the old klunk boxes used in 6.3s. In this case they did it to keep the tires from burning every time one took off.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician