? - Statement to me about transmissions, older models.
When having auto trans in drive(D) position, that the older models always start off its shift pattern from 2nd gear.
My trans on my 72SLC most of the time will go through 1st, 2nd and into 3rd when starting from a dead stop, just regular driving. Just a american made auto trans do. Is this a problem, trans does not seem un-normal and very solid. Does the fact that it has a 3:90s rear gear make any difference?


TSL - new owner

If the car is a USA model then it has only a 3 speed transmission!
The Diff on that car is a 3.07/1 ratio. Chassis number starts 107.044.
NOT true on euro 350SL, 107.043 chassis.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Thank you for reply MB Doc.

This is a 116.982 / 107 SLC, 350 SLC 72

At 80 MPH I am at about 4000 RPM(3900 closer)

Trans seems just fine and has worked for a very long time like it is. Is it broken when I leave in D and it does not take off in 2nd gear. It just moves up through its shift patterns. It will smoke up the tires from get go and shifting from super low(I would call that) to low it will spin the the tires again.

What do you think?

TSL
Woodstock, Georgia

MB Doc.

My chassic code is 107023

That is a EURO 350SLC for sure & that should have a 4-speed auto trans!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

But should it start in first or second? I seem to recall that my dad's 72 300SEL 3.5 (could be a misregistered 71) had second gear start.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD