I recently bought a 300SE- 89 with under 50k mls. Car is great but I feel it runs too high on rpm's at almost 4000 at 70-75 mph.
Any experiences / comments ?
Thanks

Is it equipped with a manual gearbox?

If yes, clutch may be worn out

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Keep us posted especially if your problem is solved
Present cars:
My car: E-class 420CDI, 2008, W211, V8, 180 000km

Wife's one: C-class 220CDI Sport Coupé, Euro, 2002, W203. 345 000km

Son's one: GLK class 220CDI, 2009, W204

Sold E class 260E, W124, 1988 beloved car sold after 489 000 kilometres of reliable services (engine M103, clutch and 5 speed manual gear box all original).

E-class, W210 320CDI, 2000[/B], 225 000km, Sold

That's normal for an early M103. They are high RPM cruisers for sure. The later gearing as found in my 91 300E brought highway cruising down to 3500rpm-ish. Keep in mind its only a four speed auto with no OD.

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http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z...-RESIZED-1.jpg
1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Thanks for your comments & education; just joined the forum / great group.
Best.
jarr56

Yeah, Mercedes finally went the low rpm route when the V6s (with 5-speeds) arrived. Fuel mileage increased noticeably. Cars before that seem like relics these days.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Funny though that the non-relics feel like crap and the relics don't.