On this recently bought '94 E420 as far as can tell it starts off in first even in D range. For example if I accelerate from a stop to 5 mph in D and then manually put it down into first, there is no downshift to the lower gear. Also I count 3 upshifts when accelerating. I thought these models all start in 2nd gear?

The only way to get 1st gear is to start from a dead stop in 1st. The tranny won't downshift to 1st while moving - just bearly moving.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

Three upshifts normally is first gear starting....... from memory that car has a 2.24:1 diff so think about how lame it'd be with a first gear.

All stuff after about 1991 is first gear from what I've been told in the 124s

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Both '92 500E's I've had started in second.

The '94 E320s start in 1st gear FWIW.

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- Jeff

Yeah w/ the 2.82:1 diff, different car all together. I don't consider it in this realm of discussion due to the low production digits.

I'm talking 400E, 190E 2.6, 300E, etc.

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

OK I got it. But this E420 has the "B" position on the shifter just like the 500E.

Probably to hold first indefinitely. Unless it will shift 1->2 by itself?

__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]