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On the 1980s gas S Classes, they all moved off from a stop in 2nd gear in the USA... except for the 500SEL which had the same type of auto kickdown module as the 78-80 300SD. But like the cruise control modules, bad solder joints and failed capacitors mean this is usually broken.
In europe, the Gen2 W126 (1986+) with the 722.3 transmission got a "program selector" on the gearshift. It would trigger a vacuum solenoid, which moved a pivot in the transmission throttle cable where it attaches to the transmission, making the cable shorter when in the "sport" setting and from the transmission's perspective look like you're giving it more throttle pedal. This would make it hold gear longer, and also move off in first gear from a stop. US cars never got the "program selector" until the 722.6.
The 2000s 722.6 transmission cars move off in first gear in the normal program, and use second when you select the winter program. Those are also a 3 speed + od trans, so they can apply the OD in reverse too, which it does in the winter program.
Chrysler used that transmission in all their cars until just a few years ago!
Part of the reason the 722.1 cars move off in second is the 1-2 shift is really firm. On the 300D I don't think it makes the car any faster moving off in first... it just makes more noise as the engine revs up, then BANG it shifts to second and keeps going.
-J
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