90 vs. 92 300E
 

Anyone know what the differences are between the 90 and 92 300E? I'm mostly interested in the mechanical differences/improvements. I'll be looking at one of each tomorrow.

Thanks

I had a '90 for 75,000 miles and have had a '92 Sportline for the last 140,000 miles. I should remember the differences, but few come to mind. The biggest difference is that the '90 starts out in second gear whereas the '92 has first gear start. You can make the '90 start in first gear but requires moving the shift lever, which is a hassel.

I would look hard at the records and never buy without records. Also check to verify that the coolant is not green.

Steve

Is there any way to modify the 90 trans to start out in first?

Yes, there are first gear start kits sold.

Any idea where to get one?

Bergwerks used to sell them, but he's out of business.

I'll have to do a search around the internet.

It may have been posted on this site or any of the other Mercedes discussion forums.

If you do a google search on 300E 2nd gear start, or something like that, you get links to a lot of posts on many discussion forums.

I think a second gear start is more desirable overall - smoother, less wear, better mileage - unless you are a street racer, in which case you don't want either car.

Well, for me first gear start would be desireable simply because I live in a hilly area and second gear starts makes for pretty doggy acceleration.

But you can engage first geat start by moving the gear lever down to "2", and then back to "D" (while at a stop).

The car will then start in first gear.

With the way these cars are geared, starting out in first gear in everday situations would be pretty herky Jerky.

Yes, on the old ones, first gear is designed exactly for his situation, i.e starting on a hill. The real thing is on a hill pulling a trailer--a Swiss requirement.