Request tutorial on early W124 first gear start modification - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 03-11-2003, 03:48 PM

I've searched the archives and couldn't find the answer. Is it possible for a DIY to modify the transmission to allow a first gear start for a 1989 300CE? Something simple, like changing the location of a spring, or is it something more involved? Could someone point me to a web site that explains how to perform such a modification? Pictures help me a lot.

I know about the momentary manual shift to 2, then return to normal and the stepping through the four gears manually, but I'd like standing start first gear start to be automatic. Even though I prefer stick shift transmissions, it gets old after awhile constantly manual shifting an automatic transmission. At a red light, I usually drop the gear selector into neutral to reduce the load on the engine. Don't really want to engage the kickdown switch because it increases gas consumption. With the price of gas now, we don't need that!

Thank you for your help. These forums are a great resource. And, thank you MercedesShop.com.

cbdo · #2 03-11-2003, 10:42 PM

The only related item I know of is the module available from Bergwerks; check out at http://www.bergwerks.com/control_module.jsp#appg

I do note that the 124 300 is not included in their application guide, but you could try contacting them to see if there's any kludge that might allow it to be used.

Chris Martens · #3 03-12-2003, 01:17 AM

Steven,

have a look on Greg's Porsche 928 Maintenance Tips and Procedures. Porsche used Mercedes transmissions in that cars so the same procedures apply.

>At a red light, I usually drop the gear selector into neutral to reduce the load on the engine.

That is not necessary. Just let it sit in "D".

>Don't really want to engage the kickdown switch because it increases gas consumption.

Starting in 1st gear doesn't look like a good strategy to save fuel, does it? The milage usualy depends on the weight of your right foot

bis denn,
Christian

1989 300TE

Early Bird · #4 03-12-2003, 10:28 AM

VOLOSONG, In someones Thread, back a ways, the fellow said he was not happy with the FIRST to SECOND gear shift after this modification. It was too jerky or ruff, this would be at LOW speeds. Wide open throttle shift from first to second was no problem. So unless your a hot rodder, you may want to think about it before you modify. Do you want a ruff shifting Benz. I was going to do this modication till I heard about the ruff shifing (first to second) at lower speeds. If you go with this Mod I would like to hear your results. That feed back was just from one person, so someone else might be happy with this modification. Just a thought

taaboo · #5 03-12-2003, 11:13 AM

My good friend bought a 92 300TE based on the excellent experience we've had with our 89. I concur with the previous post - I don't like the first gear start in the 92. It gets out of first very quickly and abruptly. In my experience, the 2nd gear start can be as leisurely as you want, or can be fairly rapid if you use enough pressure on the accelerator.

My $0.02.

Brian

#6 03-13-2003, 05:56 AM

I have a first gear start kit from Bergwerks for my 560SEL. It is great - an excellent addition for the price.

I have the luxury of having the S/E switch on the trans selector base so I have wired the first gear start into this. I can now turn on or off first gear start as I wish.

Also with the Bergwerks kit you get the added advantage of being able to set the 1-2 upshift point at low load. The trans will still determine when to shift if you give it more accelerator but the initial upshift and also the 2-1 downshift point are programable. You can set the speed which is nice if you want the 2-1 downshift to come in a bit earlier or you want the 1-2 upshift to be early then you don't notice the abruptness that can be evident.

Additionally I believe the W124 requires a valve body modification, I don't think it is as straight forward as some people might think though. I would call a local trans shop and ask them if they know, if it's that easy it would probably be quite cheap to get them to do the mod.

Matt.

joe p · #7 03-13-2003, 07:27 AM

You have to change the posistion of the 1-2 command valve spring. Either than or snag a valvebody out of a diesel of about the same era. (yep, 722.3 valvebodys will interchange, as will 722.4 to .4 valvebodys, primary differences from one to the other are the number of discs in the packs and stall speed of the converter )

Damn, I've got to do a picture tutorial on how to do this showing both valvebodys side by side with the different locations. Give me a week or 2 as I have a dead 722.315 and a valvebody from a 722.317, once I got 'em both side by side I'll take a few pic's.

I really dont recomend this as a DIY project as its easy to hamfist the valvebody and break the manual valve attachment plastic, overtorque it or swap holes with the shorter bolts bending the case.

Joe

Early Bird · #8 03-13-2003, 09:32 AM

JOE P, will be patiently waiting on your come back on this Subject.....

#9 03-13-2003, 10:27 AM

Thank you all for your insight, experiences, and opinions. I'm tempted to leave well enough, alone.

"Early Bird", ditto on Joe P.

Early Bird · #10 03-13-2003, 01:01 PM

Volosong
That is exactly the feeling I had when this subject came up months ago..............

300E24V · #11 03-14-2003, 12:04 AM

I tried doing the DIY featured in 928Tips but I had no success. (Adjusting throttle slack and transmission cable slack)All I got was the car idling higher.
Maybe I didnt really understand what he meant as the thread wasnt that clear.
Oh well I tried!

ke6dcj · #12 12-15-2003, 02:02 PM

Joe P:

did you ever post the procedure for 1st gear start?

:-) neil

fahrgewehr2 · #13 10-28-2007, 10:29 PM

Anyone ever do this?