Since the 380se(W126) trans. starts in 1st gear, and the 500sel(also W126) both use the same transmission, except I believe the 500 has more clutches, can you switch valve bodies from 380 to achieve 1st gear starts in 500 trans?
Woody

It does? I drove a Euro 280SE and it had second gear start.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

As far as I know, I read somewhere, that the 380 starts in 1st gear.
Woody

While the VB might work, it is much easier to do it electrically. If you check the archives you should be able to find a kit that someone makes to do it most simply. If not, I have posted the method with a couple relays and a pressure sensor in the governor test port.

The kit uses rpm to decide when to come in and out.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Steve, I read your post about the two relays and pressure switch. In fact I archived it for further reference. Since I had the valve body I was just curious if that was how Mercedes got the 380 euro to start in first gear as opposed to electrically. Also, I have the whole car and if it is accomplished with a switch or something else, I thought that might be an interesting way to do it.
Woody