Re: Short Gears
The trans was obviously desgned for something else. Somehing with a torqueless high winder. As mentioned it was used in the Jeep Wrangler
I find first good for my driveway, shopping malls, and stop and go traffic. Would also be good for pulling a 4,000 lb trailer and parades.
Wold make a good car for a learner since almost impossible to stall in first.
Personally prefer to start in second unless on a hill or in very slow traffic.
Part of the problem is that in my coupe a fast 1-2 makes the traction control go bananas. OTOH the car needs traction control particularly when the road is wet.
So in a way it fits the rest of the car: off the shelf components left over from the SLK. Quality components but old.
Definitely needs a different rear gear, I'd go as far as a 2.67 or 2.73. There have been rumors of one but nothing has surfaced.