There is a pass on the two lane road state route 36 named low pass about 15 miles West of Eugene Oregon,( actually quiet long and steep.)With my ever tireing (but I still love her) 74 240 D low pass could be a bit of an embarrassment ,last time over I was actualy passed by a loaded dump truck as I neared the top huffing and puffing in second gear. But today I had the sweet revenge of blasting around a logging truck and a ply van in my newly aquired 81 sd accelerating all the way to the top in fourth gear turbo humming.
William Rogers.....

Congratulations! Driving an SD uphill at 80 mph in fourth gear is a blast. Their engines have an excellent torque curve. I used to do enjoy driving my 300SD up mountain passes, but I am currently between Mercedes and am driving a rental car. I miss the joy of flying uphill in my yacht.

__________________
Ben

The MBs:
1976 300D (W115) - 330K and still going (sort of)
1991 300D 2.5 Turbo - Sold at 221K
1983 280SEL - Sold at 206K
1981 300SD - Sold at 232K

Congrats William on your "rocket ship" (for a diesel) '81 SD. I have the same and usually beat the hell out of SUVs, Mustangs etc on Carolina/Virginia/W.Virginia mountain highways at 80+ miles comfortably. There were rare occasions when I did get passed by a Porsche Carrera and a Jaguar XJS V-12!

Want some power, try a test spin in a 1999 E300 Turbodiesel. It will surprise you.
Bob