Hi All,
I have a 1985 300SD, runs pretty well in most respects, but I tried opening it up on the freeway and was unable to get it to go past 80 mph. Not a problem I suppose since I rarely drive that fast, but I am wondering if there should be more (since the speedo goes up to 120 or so). Is this likely a transmission issue? Any ideas?
Thanks
Jim

Im new to these cars but i think that's about it for top speed.

Should go a lot faster than 80mph. Even my 77 NA could hit 105mph according to the previous owner. Could be dirty fuel filters or poorly adjusted or loose accelerator linkage.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

My SD spedo only goes to 80, but it keeps pulling

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

I hit 115 MPH Before On my 300SD, It could be a dirty fuel screen, air filter, Fuel filter...

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Current Garage
2008 Mercedes GL320 CDI 188k mi Repair/Work in progress
1994 S350 160k mi Garage Queen & prepping for repairs
2005 E320 CDI 203k mi Healthy & Daily Driver
1994 S350 357k mi Retried as parts car
1984 300TD 214k mi Blown OM617 Poss OM603 Swap??

Sold
1987 300SDL 200K+
1994 S320 181K mi
2008 E320 Bluetec 127k mi
1999 S420 130K mi
1980 240D 360k mi
15+ Others that has come, stay and gone

GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
1995 E320 SE 220k mi
1984 300SD 350k mi

105-106 mph is the limit for the SD.

75 mph means that a problem needs resolution.

More like 112 if you let it work at it a while and are on flat ground with no winds....


Sadly....the 300E can top my SD's max speed.....in 3rd gear.

I've taken the 300E to just shy of 120

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Not possible with stock tires and 3.07 gears.........could be possible with 2.88 gears or +2 tires...........if the hp is available.