97 E300D on highway
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
The engine peaks HP at 5000 rpm from what I remember, so it is rare diesel that likes high rpm.
Still from my memory your rpm are high for the speed.
Are you sure you are getting 5th gear?
Still from my memory your rpm are high for the speed.
Are you sure you are getting 5th gear?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
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1997 E300D
I also wonder if you are getting fifth gear. On your car the shifter can be pulled toward the driver for forth, and pushed toward the passenger for fifth. The shifter only moves about a half an inch. You should hear the shift. I have the same car and do not remember the RPM at 70, but 2900 sounds high.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19
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1997 mercedes e 300d
thats perfectly normal rpm. you have the non turbo, as do I, and they are geared differently than the turbo for obvious power reasons. also it doesn't have a locking torque converter so that will increase the rpm. also this engine makes peak power very close to redline.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 253
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From: Temecula, CA
Tesla model S
98 E300, I drive everyday on socal freeways and at 75 to 80 mph I'm pushing 3,200 to 3,400 rpms. 70 at 2,900 seems correct to me, it always feels like there should be another gear but as someone said, that's the way they designed them to run.
