I've had about 12 240ds.

If I had to choose one car to own forever it would be an 83 240d stick. The only time it really lacks is on the highway when you really won't want to go much over about 75 because of the engine noise.

My 83 240 with the 300 na euro motor, the 307 diff and the five speed od tranny is the ultimate 240d and will get better mileage than a stock 240 with the four speed while cruising as fast as you can go around here without getting a ticket.

I can cruise at 80 or knock out nearly 40 mpg at 55. Normal highway driving will routinely come aroudn 35, town driving always tops 20 mpg.

A stock 240 stick with four speed though is a perfectly nice driving engaging vehicle to drive.

I particularly enjoyed the deer story!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.