Nicole

Remember that the only thing different or unusual is 1st gear. Once you are out of 1st, everything is consistent and logical.

I believe the Mercedes automatics of this time are similar.

safulop

I wonder if all the 2nd gear starting gives the 928 worse mileage? I haven't got any good data on this yet, but my suspicion is that my car gets better mileage in town when I use the PKS (and lay off the WOT fun times), because it starts in 1st and kicks down to 1st more readily. Since 95% of the gasoline in town is actually used when you accelerate, it would seem likely that the engine operates more efficiently while accelerating in 1st gear because you need less throttle to get the same oomph! that you were getting from 2nd gear.

I'll report my test results on this theory one day, but I'll have to fix the odometer first.

-Sean

Nicole

No, the 2nd gear starts were specifically done for fuel economy in 87 - to meet US standards. AFAIK, Euro/ROW cars launch in 1st gear.

James Bailey

My, my this thread really makes me wish I had an automatic ....... At least with the old very brown 1980 I always know what gear it is in and when it will shift !

Vilhuer

AFAIK all ROW are similar as US model in this regard. After early '87 MY they start in 2nd unless provoked a little.