I have a 1985 190D automatic with 197k on it and have noticed something that I do not know if it is normal. When you drive the car in D it will start out in second gear unless you pretty much floor it. If you take the gear selector and bring it from D at a stop down into the 2 position then back up into D it will start out in first. Unfortunately first gets you to about 5mph before it shifts to second because of gearing. Is this normal operation? If not any suggestions on what it might be?

 

Hi.. I suggest to look at the neutral safety switch. It doen't allow to start the engine in D.1.2 or R position, only in P or N. Maybe it needs adjusting or replacing the whole unit.