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Old 08-18-2003, 03:08 PM
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Scott98 Scott98 is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Weston, FL
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The owner's manual tells me to use the overdrive. However, Mercedes Benz isn't going to install an overdrive gear and then tell you not to use it because it will hurt your engine from the carbon build-up. I'm not worried about improper use of the overdrive under stressfull conditions such as driving up moutains. I wouldn't use it in those conditions regardless of whether the transmission had a sensor to prevent it from shifting into overdrive. What I'm concerned about is whether overdrive should be used in normal day to day driving around town and on the interstate.

Some people believe diesels are meant to work and the higher rpm is better but then again maybe there isn't a problem in using the overdrive and letting the engine operate at a low rpm. In other words, is it better for the car to cruise at 65 mph at 3,200 rpm in 4th gear or 2,500 rpm in overdrive? I just don't know and was hoping someone might be able to provide some insight.

Thanks,

Scott
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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)
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