I'll go back to the thread on manual trans swap and do a little more homework.

Wow, thats news to me. I really cant tell the difference between the five speed and four speed transmissions (in 1st through 4th,) and I have owned and driven allot of manual 240Ds in the last few years. I admit, I'm not a, how can I say? long time "car guy", professional driver,
Maybe I need to try the "blind fold test" :D

just did mine
 

Got back from a 240 mile trip, 29.4 mpg. So I say do it. I am loving mine. :cool:

I used the 79 manual trans, maybe I lucked up, smooth shifting, notchy but not sticky, no noise. I followed the general opinion: these boxes are pretty bullet-proof, so unless something doesn't feel right, toss it in! I have done a few other conversions on different cars, and I have torn down the box on those occasions. If you have the time and patience and feel like doing it, do it. You'll learn a few things and you'll "KNOW."

I have the 2.88 rear. The only problem is BIG hills. And fast starts, if you want them. The car won't really stall at all on the level, and you only need 1000 rpm to drop the clutch on most hills.

What they said: driver touch. I don't expect to lose my clutch anytime soon (except that little stress crack on the clutch lever is worrying me!:()

The five speed in my 280e euro is very very sweet. I cannot imagine what they are talking about them being crap. Jealous maybe.;)

I always relished the sweet shift from fourth to fifth.

Tom W

Sounds like a case of "sour grapes" to me:rolleyes: sorry but the 5 spds are sweet:D