My sense of the fact that there are manual trannies in some of the new C-Class and one of the Roadsters is that MB is attempting to complete directly with BMW in that class (3 Series v. C-Class, etc.) An attempt to secure market share and entice new folks into the showroom. BMW may brand itself as "The Ultimate Driving Machine" but Benz may very well be able to cop to "The Ultimate Driving Experience."

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David

His:
2003 Dodge Durango SLT
2002 BMW E39 530i Sport
1988 Mercedes 300TE
Hers:
2003 Chevrolet Suburban
1999 E430