300TD (wagon) has one too.
Also, the 300D is lighter and has less frontal area than a 300SD but the SD has somewhat better aerodynamics, if that means anything at 80 MPH.
I find the 2.88 allows me to cruise at 80 MPH and still have some legs if I have to accelerate to pass a car that doing say 79 (flataway, not on a hill!)
I can run at 90 in the '83 no problem but I don't get a chance very often, nor do I like to push the 617 that hard but if I'm in the '87 300D baby lookout! 603's rule!

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Boy I do like the concept of an overdrive......
Thanks to all who have put in their $.25.
I am greatly enjoying this forum.
The DIY info is enabling me to go through my new ride and do long overlooked maintenance etc. I probably could not own this car without this forum, diesels are just so very different from my previous gasser experience.
I would certainly be buying all my parts from Phil to support this forum but alas, he doesn’t ship to Canada? I guess the market is to small to bother with the complications.
Oh well, there are only a few draw backs to living here.

my benz clansmen..

have been running the 2.47 around for a couple of weeks and definitely agree with the concensus; all about matching the driving habits.

the 2.47 comes alive at about 74mph, and runs around town in Slope all day.
it is definitely as tall a gear as you would ever want, but hasn't been too much of a dog considering 3rd gear gets you about 60mph at 3000rpm.
think it is actually more practical off the line with fewer gear shifts into traffic, and overall has been a great.

depending on your highway habits the 2.47 or 2.88 definitely should have been options.
my only question is.. is there a 2.65 that fits?? good times

is there a 265 that will bolt in?

it came on the 300d right? the 602 motor. and some of the 190s, i think.

tom w

__________________
[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.

I can shed some light on the 2.47 gears. If you can get a trans with a 1first gear ratio of 3.87 opposed to the STD.3.68 first gear ratio in the trans. The 3.87 ratio trans can be found in the 90-91 420&560 sels. This will multiply the 2.47 s to make up for most of that lag off the line
do the math its fun
3.68x3.07
3.68x2.88
3.68x 2.47
Then do the 3.87 ratio with the rear end gears.you will see what am talking about.
I have to build.my 83 300d trans. I got 3 whole planetary gear sets "3.87" I don't have a 2.47 gear as of yet. I was thinking of selling this car.but the trans has a noise in it so its got to come.out.
note aslo the second gear ratio in the trans with the 3.68 has a 2.41 second gear while the 3.87 trans has a 2.21 second gear.hope this helps.