Years ago when first learning to drive in a 57 VW bug, I was cautioned to use the clutch and transmission less than I was, because the brakes are a lot cheaper to repair/replace than the clutch & tranny. Several years later while tearing my '29 Ford 'A' apart, I learned by examining all of those parts just why that was true. Have you torn an MB clutch and tranny out or rebuilt either item? Have you replaced the calipers and or pads in the front brakes? Well I can guarantee you that the tranny rebuilding is way more involved and costly than all the rest of these tasks put together. Use the Brakes to slow the car down, and use the Clutch to shift the gears. Yes both wear and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced, but tranny rebuilds are expensive!

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150