Gee, that's too bad about Fla cars because almost every 5-spd turbo I ever found for sale was a Euro model imported to Fla.

I've got a 5-spd 190 gasser and can say with great confidence you don't need a turbo. If you know how to "wring out" a diesel, that plus the low curbweight of this car makes it a real winner in racing for a parking spot. The fifth gear is incredible on the highway. Also on country roads but be aware of enforcement. Tickets for going 50 over the limit can be kinda pricey.

To my thinking the 190 is the follow-on classic to the ponton series. You will almost always be the smallest car in the parking lot, which I like. If you DON'T like that you should probably choose a different model.

With the limited production, I don't think it will be too long before we start to pay a premium for this model. Actually, you already do, because the windows etc are all power, which can be a PIB, but is apparently a problem shared by most MB after 1985. I'm pretty sure a 2.2 with a 5-spd will not disappoint you.

This is in regards to the '85 190D in Autotrader: Are you sure its a 2.5? I've other listed over the past year as 2.5 when they were 2.2. And, the 2.5 wasn't offered on the 190 until 1986. FYI