I used to import grey market cars during the early 80's (the last car I did was my 1986 190E 2.3-16) when the dollar was gaining on the Deutsch Mark. Anyway, I have the price list for the passenger and special purpose cars (ambulances and the like) published by Mercedes-Benz listing the cars they sold in Germany then, and the various options each could be ordered with, including prices in DM.

Strange, but the only 300 Turbo sold in Germany to the German market through at least 1984 was the wagon, and it was not made with a manual transmission ("5-Gang Mittelschaltung" the only manual transmission option for any 1984 Mercedes listed is noted as "nicht lieferbar" or "not deliverable" meaning you can not order this option on the car you are looking at in the book).

However, the regular 300D was made with a an optional 5-speed, so unless the driveshaft arrangement on the turbo/automatic transmission combination is different than a 5-speed 300D I would think the driveshaft problem could be solved by using the non-turbo parts. All the parts should be available in Germany, so that means you can get them here (I could help as I grew up there and have friends that still live in Munich who have sent me parts for my cars, as well as the cars I imported in the past).

I would think there might be enough of us that would want this "option" that a kit might be worth developing for a half dozen of us nuts.

Just a thought. 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)