Yeah but what's the point in lugging and bottoming out the power band? I dont get it - hard to believe the sacrifice in performance is worth whatever fuel economy somebody expects to get. And even that might be a myth, am not convinced that bottoming out gears with engine operating at 30% efficiency improves fuel mileage at all.

In the RPM@60mph thread it was demonstrated the w115 220D doesnt even produce 50hp until it hits 3000 rpm. Lugging along at/near 1800rpm (65mph in 5th?) strikes me as painful for both the car and driver.

(edit: I realize I'm not speaking for everybody here. But for me kicking the 240D, maxing out the power band and paddling through the gears to optimize performance is major part of the 240D experience. And should be the same with 617's too, not much fun fouling the chambers at low rpm's and driving under conditions of incomplete combustion. For me these diesels come alive at 3000rpm and anything less is nothing.