How weak is a Mercedes 240D with automatic transmission?

[ericnguyen]

Dear friends,

I've heard that a Mercedes 240D with automatic transmission is EXCEEDINGLY weak when driving, and may be only suitable for teenagers or old people while a similar one with manual transmission is much stronger.

Could someone give me some comparison (with some other wimpy cars such as Geo Metro etc.) or an idea of how weak it is?

Thank you very much in advance.

Best regards,

Eric

It isn't very fast at all. But I wouldn't call it a hazard to your health either. It is decently quick enough to get out of its way on most occasions, and safe enough that if you do get for being to slow you'll be ok Anyhow, the 4 speed I have is actually comparable to a 300D Naturally Aspirated Automatic. I think even with an automatic, the 240D is a great car. Still extremely simple to work on, and from what I hear the engine doesn't create enough torque to wear the transmission much. I'd take a bite on almost any good 240D. You can almost sit inside the engine compartment!

I love my 240D.

[MS Fowler]

I'm a newbie---both here on Mercedesshop, AND as a 240D owner. I've been driving mine for almost three weeks. My impression is that it is slow, however, i prefer to refer to its acceleration as "stately", "dignified", or even " refined". It is not so slow that I fear for my safety, and mine is an automatic. What is impressive is how smoothly the car performs. Mine has passed the MD state used vehicle inspection, but there are many things I still need to work through. I am constantly impressed by how well thought out and well designed is every aspect of this car. Quite unlike any other cat in my experience.

[TimFreeh]

IMHO a 240D automatic can be pretty tough to drive on todays crowded roads. I can vividly remember waiting for a hole in traffic that was large enough for me to pull out and merge into while the drivers behind me were honking the horn wondering what the hell was wrong with me....

That said there is a certain amount of fun driving a low powered car - you plan your moves much more carefully. Passing on two lane roads can be especially exciting - Ask any long term 240D driver on how to execute a "slingshot" pass. Its just about the only way you will EVER pass anyone. Drafting helps too.

As Kyle says 240D's are easy to work on and they are among the most reliable MB's ever built but they are very slow.

Tim

[EC93SE]

My 240D automatic is slow, but not dangerously so. It will cruise at 75-80 on the interstate with no problem. You do have to pick your spots when pulling out, merging or passing, though. That said, I really enjoy driving mine.

[300SDog]

If it was me behind the wheel of an automatic, I'd probably be using all the numbers on the shift gate.... dropping from 3 into 2 for prolonged city driving below 38mph, climbing extreme hills, etc...... also mastering the art of feathering the accelerator for the smoothest upshifts - and learning to peddle the accelerator for swift downshifts.

Somehow it seems automatic transmission has natural tendency to bottom out the engine as it seeks the highest gear at any speed.

Originally posted by ericnguyen
Dear friends,

I've heard that a Mercedes 240D with automatic transmission is EXCEEDINGLY weak when driving, and may be only suitable for teenagers or old people while a similar one with manual transmission is much stronger.

Could someone give me some comparison (with some other wimpy cars such as Geo Metro etc.) or an idea of how weak it is?

Thank you very much in advance.

Best regards,

Eric

As always: older aut. transmissions are taking a bigger part of the output power from engine compared to a manual gear. But cars with aut is often sold to people who is putting comfort before speed/acceleration. Therefore are those cars mostly driven with bigger care. (my personal definition, excuse my bad english)

I've NEVER had a problem with my automatic 240D in any situation...diesels don't start up from a stop with the smooth, instant, acceleration curve of a gas engine, but have to "wind up" a tad...once moving...no difference, and will cruise all day at 80. You get the feel of the car, and adjust yourself accordingly.