auto trans doesn't shift to 1st gear
 

Just bought a 1990 350 SDL which has been sitting for a while. The 4 spd auto trans works well in revesrse,2,3,4 but never goes into 1st when stopped. Is this a valve body or linkage problem? I have rebuilt tranys before, this sounds like a valve stuck which won't allow shift to 1st, but the $$$$ MB CD shop manual I bought, for some strange reason has no section on transmissions. Where can I obtain a diagram of valve body and or info on MB 4 speed Auto trans? I can do the work, but have no Idea of specs or whether trans has been apart and someone dropped a small steel ball on the floor and didn't replace in the proper hole, then wholesaled car because of the problem..:confused: loneranger

Not sure about the SDL, but many MB's start in 2nd gear by design (my 89 E class is one example). From a stop, try moving the shift lever down to low, and back into drive. If you start out in 1st gear after doing that, it's working fine. Another way is to stomp on it from a start....it should downshift (hard) to first and away you go.

Worth a try (if you haven't already)...

thanks for the info
 

The gear shift level only goes down to 2 so you are probably right but it seems strange to have a 4 speed that only uses 3 speeds. I will try adjusting kick down, assuming I can figure how it works. Do you know why there is no trans section in the repair manual? Al

What year model? Do you have a little 'S' 'E' switch next to the shifter?

If you do put it to 'S' you will start in 1st.

On the older models there is a mod you can do for first gear start, I've read about it either here or on benzworld.