The second gear start in the Mercedes of the 80's was done for two reasons. The main reason was fuel mileage (and IIRC there might have been a fractional benefit for emissions), and the other reason was that first is a true stump-puller (for the reasons cited above) and in slick conditions can be tricky; starting in second allows easier control of power and less likelihood of wheelspin. As others have mentioned, first is available through the shift lever, through the kickdown switch if you floor it from rest, and on demand if there's an unusual load sensed.
To the best of my knowledge, it was only done on the larger V8s, due to their exceptional thirst and exceptional torque.

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Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)

Nope. It's on the I6 300, too.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

I had my '91 changed to the 1st gear start (with a Bergwerks module), as the 2nd gear start while smooth, didn't give me the instant torque I hoped to get with the 1st gear start. The pedal throw is real long so you have to mash it all the way to the floor to get a full bore 1st gear start, but it's satisfying.

It took me a month to get used to the difference, but now I usually start out slowly and smoothly from a start, and works well too. But it was nice to have the quick response if I'd like it.

The 2nd gear start was offered by Mercedes for economy and smoothness.

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

well thanks everyone, I guess that answers that question. I have a nice smooth start and enough power for me, so I guess I have no problems with the 2nd gear start.

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Eric Zacharias

'88 300 SEL
'64 Ford Falcon
'99 Infiniti QX4

It allows less torque to be put to the ground in adverse weather conditions as well. Newer MB's just have a switch now that allows either 1st or 2nd gear start, they also have a 2nd reverse gear as well. This is for smoother starts as well as less torque to the ground in rain and snow. Like starting in second on a standard shift so you do not spin the tires and lose traction. Of course this was more helpful before Traction Control and ESP/ASR were introduced.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

my 74 240d had second gear start.

first was a real stump puller.

that car had so little power pulling the slushbox it always seemed like a wash whether to take off in first or second. the higher rpm seemed to mainly result in more noise!

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

hiya folks

i just bought a 190e 2.3-16 with an auto box. this auto box doesnt have a s/e switch however which i thought was strange, i thought they all had it.

mine too starts in second gear. i have buried the accelerator to try and get it to start in first but it just refuses to do it.

I dont really mind the second gear start though, its very smooth and it doesnt take all that long to reach 60mph in second gear.

If i wanted to, is it possible to adjust the box so that it starts in first?