"I think on the whole the W123 was built for a different time where road speeds were slower.

If in the US of A the old fashioned 55mph maximum was forcibly regulated the gearing wouldn't seem too slow!"

This is very true. The freeway I drive to Salem(Hwy 22) is posted 55 mph due to a history of bad accidents. Most traffic still cruises @ 60-65 mph but there are enough trucks and the occasional slow driving sedan for the 240D to be right at home with periodic opportunities to pass. Don