Just out of curiosity, is there a way to configure the W126 560SEL transmission to actually start in first gear?

 

in my w126 500sel there is a transmission detent marked "B" to the right of "2". I believe you should have the same, since i have noticed that every mercedes from about 84/84ish until 95ish has the same shift gate for the 4spd auto transmissions, regardless of chassis.

anyway, that position will, or should if your linkage is adjusted correctly, lock the tranny in maunal first. it will remain in first gear until you upshift it. It does have a safeguard for downshifting, and wont downshift into first until something like under 15mph, but that does not apply to the upshift, it will stay in first until you shift into a higher gear.

also, in any gear selection, the transmission should start out in first from a dead stop.

 

blacksheep i have modifyed lots of 124 that have second gear start up they then start in first gear. however i have never modifyed a 126 to start in first gear i would think it is possible. on a 124 all you do is drill a hole in the valve body i will look around and try to find out for you in my transmission books.

 

I came across about three SECs with the conversion. One owner did mentioned the same process you used for the W124. One was done for the hell of it as part of an 560SEC AMG conversion and the third one was a full blown 560SEC AMG (Done back when the car was new and the AMG modifications cost ooodles of dollars.)

 

I had the same frustration in my 1994 600 SEL. Drop it into 1st and it was a rocket. I recently bought a used 2003 S55. Hit the "Sport" shift mode button and it starts in first. The "Comfort" mode starts in second. It has to be a simple solenoid. Guess which mode the car stays in.........