[R129 SL] 300 SL

Mon, 14 Jul 2003 17:01:29 -0400

We sell a first gear start kit for many V8 and V12 MBs from 1982-1995.
Check it out at www.bergwerks.com

Satish

-----Original Message-----
From: r129list-admin@mbcoupes.com [mailto:r129list-admin@mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Kirk Jones
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 1:31 PM
To: 'r129list@mbcoupes.com'
Subject: RE: [R129 SL] 300 SL

I've heard this many times about starting off in 1st and have seen some
of the 3rd party suppliers selling a kit that allows 1st gear start all
of the time. 

Has anyone done this themselves and on a scale of 1 - 5 (5 being real
tough) how difficult is it for a weekend mechanic with minimal MB
knowledge to tackle, and do you really need the kit to perform the task?

Kirk
aka: Willing To Try

-----Original Message-----
From: Damian Seipel [mailto:damian_seipel@yamaha-motor.com] 
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 11:57 AM
To: r129list@mbcoupes.com
Subject: RE: [R129 SL] 300 SL

Actually, the car starts off in second gear unless it has been modified
to start off in first. Mercedes has been doing this for some time.  Try
taking off slow from a dead stop and then quickly apply full throttle
engaging the kick-down switch(passing gear), and you will feel the car
downshift to first gear.  Or ask any Mercedes mechanic.  You can modify
the valve body to start off in first gear at all times if you like.

Damian Seipel
Yamaha Motor Corporation
1270 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Direct: 770-420-5714
Fax: 770-420-5761
www.yamaha-motor.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Satish Tummala [mailto:satish@tummala.net] 
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 8:55 AM
To: r129list@mbcoupes.com
Subject: RE: [R129 SL] 300 SL

Yes, it starts in first.

-----Original Message-----
From: r129list-admin@mbcoupes.com [mailto:r129list-admin@mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Alvamike@aol.com
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 7:57 AM
To: r129list@mbcoupes.com
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] 300 SL

Adam and all,
Is the car supposed to START off in 1st??  I think I figured out the
problem with the shifting.  I found the rubber cover over the vacuum
modulator was very cracked.  I replaced it and it shifts 1000%
better......but it starts in 1st.  Is this right??  Runs great !!!! Mike
in Morgantown, PA

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