While not all these count, I have had a 1972 220D, 4-speed, a 1974 240D, 4-speed, I imported and sold a 1982 Euro 300D, 5-speed, and now own a 1982 240D, 4-speed, and a 1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 with a 5-speed. My wife briefly owned a 1967 250S with a 4-speed. My Mother, and 2 sisters each owned Euro 230E's (1981 and 1984 models) with 5-speeds.

I am not a fan of automatic transmissions and find Mercedes manual boxes much better than most brands when you consider how they match the engine and car, the extraordinary reliable clutches (I have driven Mercedes-Benz autos with manual transmissions over a million miles and replaced one clutch in my '75 because I got Mobil 1 oil leaking past the aft crank seal and onto the clutch, which caused some severe chatter and damage to the little circumferential springs in the clutch which were deformed and, as the clutch wore down, eventually "machined" in half, and that was after 170,000 miles, and on my '82 when I had the ring gear replaced at a similar mileage. Neither had a worn out clutch, per se) and robust gears and synchros. Two of my three kids have learned to drive using the 240D and 16 valve 190E. The third will when the time comes, too.

I am presently looking for a 190E 5-speed to replace my '82 240D which is slowly dying. I am also looking for a 300E for my wife with a 5-speed, each with less than 110,000 miles. The offerings are sparse to say the least. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)