90% of all USA gas MB with a 722.2, 3, 4 and 5 transmission start in 2nd with the selector lever in the D posting. Diesels start in 1st, , why they have better gas mileage. Years ago I read two tech bulletins that said it was to improve gas mileage number in cars for the US market, and to avoid creeping in gear at a stop. All euros and most of the ROW cars start in 1st. If you select the ‘2’ position the transmission will start in 1st and only shift to 2nd, this is the engine braking feature as in
Cars with the ‘B’ mode.

To Command a 1st gear start from a stop at full throttle with the kick down solenoid activated there needs to be a regulation of oil pressures within the transmission. A 1st gear start is influenced by the following pressures , working pressures ( pump), modulating pressure ( modulator) , throttle valve control pressure (influenced by the TV Bowden cable ) and kick down control pressure ( kick down solenoid). There are other valve within the valve body that command 1st gear but the one mention have the most influence When the kick down solenoid is energized it drops oil pressure thereby increasing throttle pressure. The two most common problems I see are a non functional kick down system and the throttle Bowden cable out of adjustment.

The TV Bowden cable on your car is under the air cleaner on the driver’s side. Some models have a slide bar (diesels), others a pointer adjustment and others a cylindrical adjuster, a round plastic piece and some have a threaded rod with a ball socket Systems.

Adjust the engines throttle cable (gas pedal) FIRST.. Make sure you have full throttle opening on the engine. Once you do, then adjust the transmission throttle valve control pressure, Bowden cable. adjust it tight with no slack. Go for a test drive, the transmission should have late shifts. Now adjust it to your driving style, a lose cable will let transmission shift earlier. Adjust then drive.

Check the kick down solenoid system


Open the passengers’ side door with the ignition on, floor the gas pedal, you should hear the solenoid click at the rear of the transmission if not, check the fuse for the kick down solenoid, good fuse, check for 12v at the kick down switch under the gas pedal. No 12v check for a short in the wire. Check for a stuck kick down switch, check for 12v at the kick down solenoid, no voltage, check for a short in wire, 12v defective solenoid.

If you are interested in selling the original 500SEL transmission email me at

928euro@mastertechtrans.com.