Neil,

For what it's worth, my 1990 190E-2.3 runs the 5-speed 717413 with reverse to the left and back (not easy in right hand drive when you have to lift the stick at the same time). I'm not sure if this is similar or the same 5-speed as used with the M103, but I know mine is the later transmission. It is pleasant to use with very easy shift action (can use one or two fingers to shift) and has shorter throws than I can remember on earlier MB transmissions (mainly '60s and '70s models although one was an early 190E 5-speed).

I'm not sure about the later (HFM) versions of the M104, but the early 3 litre 24-valve (which did not have lots of low-down torque but worked well at high revs) was available with the close ratio (direct rather than overdrive 5th) with first to the left and back (like the 16V 190E). I'm not sure if the overdrive 5-speed was also available for that engine.

If I had to complain about anything with my 5-speed (apart from awkward reverse selection in RHD version), it would be a tendency for shudder on clutch engagement if the engine revs are not right which I attribute possibly to the amount of lash and "flex" in the driveline (flex couplings, diff, rear axle splines, etc.). MB clutch action is not as nice as some other cars either. Despite this I would not own this car if it was not a manual.

Greg

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.