I do this occasionally, of course mileage will suffer, you're at higher revs.

You are not harming the engine as long as you keep it below 4000. Max horsepower is attained at 4350 rpm, not that is should stay there, I'm thinking.

Yes, you are in the turbo zone, read power band above 2500.

These cars don't have the best of fuel mileage, at least in some eyes, so MB did what it could to help. Some start in second gear and lope around town to get higher mph.

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83 SD

84 CD