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.

These cars are slow, plain & simple - that much is "normal".
We get used to it. I figure I can only go the speed limit, so once I get to that speed, and make all the lights, the car covers ground as fast as any of the other cars.
Also, remember the tortoise and the hare; because of their low specific output, these engines are the all-time longevity champs (except for heavy-duty Diesels).
The trans has a button under the accelerator. Once you floor the pedal and push the button, it will hold the trans in gear until the max rpm shift point. But it doesn't sound like you're doing that. Or are you, since it's so slooow?? If not, have a good M-B tech check the trans.
One last thing. If you think it's slow now, wait until you turn on the A/C! (62 hp minus ~5 hp makes a difference).

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Now you're suckin' Diesel!

'88 300SEL
'92 300D 2.5 Turbo
'96 Lincoln Town Car. The Jazzmobile.

Maybe I was. This was a test drive and the 240D made my Saturn look like a fast car. I guess that I was goosing the fuel pedal quite a bit.

circlip

Maybe you should look for a 240D with a manual trans. They are more fun to drive and have less electric options which makes things eayser to work on.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

As far as I'm concerned, it's normal. I have an '82 240D auto with only 95K that shifts in exactly that way. You'll get used to it.

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2002 500SL(Black/Black)
1992 300SE(Black/Black)
1992 190E 2.3(White/Navy)
1999 VW Jetta TDI(Pearl Green)
1986 SAAB 900 Base 3 door(White)
1983 Porsche 911SC(Chiffon)
1977 VW Scirocco(DiamondSilver)

The first time I drove my 77 300d, I thought the same thing about the way it shifted. I now think it is normal and like having more control over the shift points by slightly releasing the accelerator. They are also programmed to stay in first (or second--depending on which gear you start in ) longer when they are cold.

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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

A car weighing over 3000lb and with only 65bhp is bound to be slow, the manual is much better option here as you can properly shift or hold the gear.

Mine shifts a little weird but it has been like that since I bought it . A normal speed for autos that I have seen is 27 to 30 seconds to 60 mph.

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.

NO problem entering or keeping up with traffic...will cruise all day at 80.

BY CONTRAST...an '81 manual 240D I've had for about a month is the comparative slug...this is the exact opposite of everything I've read or been told.

The power curve on diesels is different from gassers...this is what takes getting used to...you have to change your idea of "normal"

I'd bet that there is either a vacuum leak causing the tranny to shift late or it is set up wrong to begin with.
My 240 shifts really sweet (contol rod based shift controls) and the 300 has been a struggle to find just the right combination of vacuum, bleed valve adjustment and modulator adjustment to make the shifts consistant all the way through the power cycle.

Slipping is when you get concerned... A hard shift should be correctable.

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique