My 2001 E430 does not down shift to 1st gear automatically at a stop. If I put in manual mode it shifts to 1st fine.

Is this normal, because it sucks that when I accelarate hard there is always a hesitation as it down shifts from 2nd to 1st, because it never starts in 1st when I'm in automatic mode.

Maybe it's just my driving?? Can someone tell me if this all sounds normal, I recently purchased this car and it's my first Mercedes.

 

there is a switch on the shifter that has S and W make sure it is in S mode not W. W is for "winter" which is second gear start. if you are in S mode but the car still starts in 2nd gear than you might have a bad shifter module.

 

OK I feel stupid, the switch was on W.

Thanks foryour help!!