[W126 Coupe] First gear start for 1985 380 SEC

[David G. Cole]

Marcus,

Yes, a simple snip and tape and it will always start in 1st.

Did this to my '85. Pull the connector off of the VDO box that controls the first 
gear start (this box was only on the '84 and '85 cars). It is under the dash next 
to the cruise control box. Look at the schematics from the MB electrical 
workshop book and see which wire gets pulled high when you slip into 3rd 
gear. SPLICE (not cut) into that wire and tie it to 12v. You now have 1st gear 
start. Will take about a 1/2 hour.

Sorry, do not remember which specific wire it is and I do not have my books 
or the 500 here in denver. 

Also will mention this was on my 500, not a 380; should be the same, but lets 
get the schematic to confirm before getting too carried away.

Dave



On 15 Aug 2005 at 11:36, Marcus Johnson wrote:

> Hello all,
> 
> Just wondering if it's possible to rewire or disable the second gear
> start in an earlier W126.
> 
> The car is an Australian-delivered 1985 380 SEC.
> 
> If I slip the gearstick back to '3', it will start in first gear.
> 
> Is it possible to make this permanent?
> 
> I know with the models post 86, there is a kit, but as I have the
> selectable first gear, this would be a different setup.
> 
> Anyone done this?
> 
> Marcus Johnson
> 380 SEC
> Melbourne Australia
> 
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