Don, the 603 does offer better fuel economy, but it's torque characteristics seem to favor higher rpm's. The SDL feels a bit ponderous at low speeds. Stepping into it further will force it to go but you just get the feeling that this large vehicle would prefer to travel gracefully rather than forcefully.

It's really got nothing to do with the length, although the SD is easier to park. The SD just scoots away from a light relatively effortlessly. However, at 70 mph, the SD sounds like a typical 617 and is making quite a racket. The 603 is just coming into its favorite range at 68 mph.

I suppose that the SDL would be fine around town, until you drive a quicker vehicle. The stoplight runs seem to be better suited for smaller and lighter cars.

I agree. I'm not sure if it has to do with gearing or what, but the 603 cars have impressive power on the highway.. they are indeed designed for the highway.

The 603 is great in city driving! You have the power to keep up with traffic and it idles smoothly and shifts nicely. Leaving a stop light, I usually see 3000 rpm before shifts. Also, while in Wash. DC traffic, I usually leave the tranny in 3od, keeping the rpm's up for quicker response. Once I'm out in the 'burbs and over 40 mph, I shift into 4th.(The 3od gear is red lined at 84 mph on the speedo!) And, yes, the long wheelbase is a little harder to park, but you get use to it. It turns sharper than my old Toyota! City/suburb mileage is 26 mpg. I don't know of any large car that gives that type of economy. This is a great car.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

I too was suprised at the power on the freeway its first time out, I had mine to around 3900rpm in 4th (got to that speed quickly) after I figured out the non fueling issue under boost... pulls away from the SD easily at higher RPM.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I actually love my 603 around town, it pulls away from stop lights easily and is a blast in the highway

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87 300d Turbo 241K with original #14 head (blue)
87 300d Turbo 198K will run great again someday (silver)
84 300sd sold ( buyer drove it to Paraguay )

find the 603 3.5 feels better in town and on the highway. torque is instantanious. downshifting on the highway is optonal.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Tom, could you make a test with the SDL?

Accelerate from 0-35 mph at precisely 2000 rpm's. No more and no less. Time the acceleration with a stopwatch. Let me know the results.

I'd like to know if this "feel good" around town is the truth or is simply a matter of pressing the pedal down further.

If your time is considerably less than this one, then I'll believe this around town high performance.