[Guest (MBNZ)]

Is it by design that the car starts in 2nd gear unless I give it 1/2 throttle or more?

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

By design, yes.Reasons?Fuel conservation and<br> winter driving.(I guess).If you want to start<br> in 1st.,at a stop,move the lever from D to 2nd.<br> and back to D.Your'e locked up to 1st gear till<br> 6000 rpm.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

all automatic mercedes-benz do that. my Dad's SL 500 does it too. if you floor it, it will start on first gear.<br> <br> Ryan<br> '87 190E 2.3-16v<br> 5-spd getrag transmission

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Not all M-B automatics start in 2nd -- AMG cars start in first (unless the 'W' winter mode is elected); my daughter's 190E Limited Edition with the factory Sportline also starts in first.

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

If I remember correctly, that can be adjusted by turning the knob on the transmission cable where it connects to the throttle body near the throttle cable

 

[Guest (MBNZ)]

Guess its not really important but UK spec 190s have a switch next to the gear lever so you can choose between launching in 1st or 2nd. the 'box still kicks down to 1st if you give it enough of a bootful though.