Which vehicle is the 603 in? You could never get an SDL anywhere near 144 mph with 150 hp. Maybe something close with the 124, but, I still think 144 is a bit too far out there.

Yea, I know. But it would be impossible if the SDL had 500 hp. The burn rate isn't THERE at 5450 rpms. It just isn't.

I'm not being literal, just pulling your leg.

Remember, the SDL only has a 2.88 rear-axle. It is doing BETTER than it's redline at 144 mph.

You're talking to a guy that wears a badge of honor because he defeated a 4.7 liter Dodge Dakota 4x4 SLT to 100 mph(this, I kid you not).
It was a very tough race, too.

There is a possibility that it is due to a difference in diameter of the rear wheels on the car.
If the drive wheels are a different diameter, they will have a difference in rotational speed proportional to the difference in size. This will easily represent itself as a low frequency noise and may indicate a bearing problem in the differential spider gears..
I had a couple of wheels out of balance and, at speed, they would cause a low speed vibration in the steering.

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Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.

Well, I'm replacing the Firestone FR380's with a new set of Michelins within the next couple of weeks. So, if it is the tires causing it, I'll know it. Chances are the new Michelins are all very close in diameter so maybe the problem will go away.

DslBnz oh so thats you on Benzforums. Sorry my computer sucks so I can't play that video.

DslBnz their is no way an SDL can do 144mph, maybe 120 maybe.

Brian the sound I think you are describing is the engine, diesels make noise they are a loud engine. You will hear it inside the car, their is a 6cy diesel up their it will make a little noise. My car you said was making that noise to and I have new Yokohama's and wheels. But I agree with what DslBnz said if somthing is going wrong it will get worse and then you can fix it. Otherwise you could be throwing parts and money at it for a long time and not get anywhere.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

While ours should all be the same, I would expect yours would turn the same or more, not less. That sounds about right for mine.

I did a couple of '2nd to max rpm, then 3rd to max rpm' tune ups yesterday. Definately blew out some new carbon. Left a good trail of steady grey smoke which then thinned out. I am getting at least 4800 rpm and perhaps 5000. Hard to watch the speed, smoke and tach all at the same time.

I think I will get some of the additive and run in the next few tanks. That and diesel purge ought to do it. Smoke just makes me a little nervous, since it is new.

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Alan Hamm
'87 300SDL 277K Miles
'89 560 SL 68K Miles

Try a quart of cheap atf, I could swear my car ran better after I added a quart. Maybe the placibo affect?

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

That's the thing, it RUNS great! Just a little more smoke. A little less after the redline runs.

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Alan Hamm
'87 300SDL 277K Miles
'89 560 SL 68K Miles