do pretty much as expected...climb until you shift into the next higher gear, and then drop back again. There IS a passing gear in high which does give somewhat of a "boost" in acceleration along with some sound effects.

My 5-cyl 300D does have a tach, 240's didn't. Go figure.

You might want to look over the owner's manual...the "S" slot on the gear selector is for going up a "slope"...or driving in the snow...If you're keeping the car in THAT gear, no wonder the engine's racing!

Diesels take some getting used to. I love my '83 which I've had for 150,000 miles now. Have another '83 300CD (coupe) and an '81 240D (stick). Almost wish I had a less pathological devotion...perhaps a thing for women's shoes.