I talked with MB re-the s-320, they say it is a (design) situation to heat up the cc as you said. the problem is you must let it idle and heat up BEFORE it will shift from 2nd AT ALL...I've not asked about the SL as yet, but it is the same engine, so I assume It's the same situation. I'am guessing there may be a chip which can be (removed)changed to defete this. They can't do It because it would be illegle for them, but I could do it on the sly if I knew which/what it was. Thanks for your input...Ron