How do I make a 300E start in first gear????????????????
 

My father has a 1987 300E. I was wondering how you get the car to start in first. Do I just have to punch it to the floor to activate the kick-down solenoid?
Thanks
David

I heard that I you move the shifter to "2" then back to "D" it triggers the transmission to start in 1st.

If there's a B or 1 position just right of the 2, flip into that then back to normal and you should start in first. At least it works on my 560SL.

correct.

You can also install a new valve body made by:

www.bergwerks.com

You can also...
 

pull it down in 2, and shift it manually.. That's why the shift gate is made the way it is... just bump it straight up, each time you want to shift..

Jay

1st gear
 

Would this greatly improve performace? Would it peel tires? I don't want to, I am just curious. When ever having a friendly drag with friends I am slow off the line, then I hit 3rd gear, then I wave them goodbye. :)

Re: 1st gear
 

If you put a nitrous kit on it, it might spin the tires on wet pavement...:D

Why have the 1st gear if the car won't use it?

MB maybe have been better off adjusting the gear ratio to where the RPM was not over 3000 at highway speeds.

So when I am at a stand-still (with it in "D"). Just move the selector to the "2" then back to the "D" and it will be in first gear? That is how I understand it, that just seems so simple. That will only give me first on that take-off, right?
Thanks
David

Correct.

On my 91 300e 4matic, if I put the gear selector at "2" and then shift pack to "D", I get a first gear start but then it jumps to 3rd gear too soon. You need to shift back and forth between "2" and "3", keeping your rpm's at a minimum of 2500. The procedure is detailed iin the W124 Owners Bible (one of the few useful items in that book, IMHO).