The invention relates to a starting unit (1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6) comprising a starting element in the form of a hydrodynamic component (5, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6) and a housing (17, 18) that is coupled with the primary impeller (6) in a static or rotationally fixed manner and that encloses at least one impeller (7, 8) in the axial direction, thereby defining at least one working fluid guide channel or compartment (19). The invention is characterized in that the unit is provided with means (2) for influencing the transmission behavior of the hydrodynamic component (5). Said means comprise pressure medium-actuated integrated mechanical components (3) that have an at least indirect effect on the working cycle ensuing in the working compartment (8, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6). The pressure medium-actuated integrated mechanical components (3) are impinged upon by a pressure medium from the supply channel (20) or the first working medium guide channel or compartment (19), the position of the pressure medium-actuated integrated mechanical components (3) relative to the working compartment (8) being a function of the differential pressure of the pressure medium branched off from the first supply channel (20) or the first working medium guide channel or compartment (19) and the pressure in the interior of the housing (17, 18) in the area of the regulating device (26, 31).