i just want to clear up some of the manual transmission talk.

in most manual transmission that are driving around the earth today. the gear boxes are in constant mesh. the gears never come apart. NEVER. the way the gears are engaged is with a dog collar. heres a diagram.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manual_transmission

and anyone curious should read the entire webpage

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Current
2006 E320 CDI, 57K bought at 67K "Liesl"
1986 190E 2.3-16, 198K bought at 56K "Brigitta"
1987 300TD (Chuggin Along), 292K "Friedrich"
1995 E320 Wagon, 200K "Louisa"

Past
1987 300SDL, (sold) 125K, bought for 1$ "Kurt"