I have a 2016 sl400 and when I put it in drive it goes to D2 never D1. Is this normal?

Yes Consider it as a bull gear.only used for fast take off

Sl's, and other MB's, have a "comfort" and a "sport" mode. The names may be different depending on the model of MB you have. But tghe operation is the same. In "comfort" mode, the transmission always starts of in 2nd gear and up-shifts sooner. The idea here is to reduce fuel consumption and give a smoother acceleration. In "Sport" mode - the transmission starts off in 1st gear and stays in each gear longer as it up-shifts. The purpose is for more rapid acceleration - but it will likely increase fuel consumption.

So does my 2015 SL 400. I think it's for fuel economy.

I recently bought a 2015 SL400 and noticed the second gear start in E mode. Glad to know this is normal.

I want to replace the number 400 on the Back of my 2016 SL400 with 550. Where would I go to buy the number 550 so that I could give it to A body shop guy and have him replace it? Simple Problem. Vanity issue.