When I bought my '87 300SDL new, the pedal was hard to push. The dealer said (in '87) that this is "normal'. I compare the 603 endine with a (slow) jet engine - it needs time to wind up. Once it hits 2600 RPM, it takes off. I assume that the turbo starts making a big difference at this point. Also, the trans is a little slow to kick down. That's why in city traffic I keep the trans. in 3od gear, for faster pick up. (According to the speedo, you can do 84 mph in 3od! Check out your max. shift points on your speedo.) And, no, I don't max out the rpm's. Hope this helps. Your engine seems normal to me.
