I drove an '82 240D automatic today and I wanted to see if someone could answer some questions.

First, it was very very slow. I've not driven one before, and I guess this is typical?

This particular car did not really want to shift. The engine would wind way out and the finally the transmission would abruptly shift. Sort of a head shaking shift. The only way I could get it to shift into top gear was to back my foot from the throttle. Is this normal (I'm guessing not)? Is it serious?

As a "wet behind the ears" newbie, this was my first drive in a MB diesel. It's a really cool car, but I'm afarid I would be getting in too deep with it.