I've seen this anti MB manual transmission argument on mercedesshop several times in the past.

I have owned and driven zillions of different cars including BMW's and Porshes and have owned and now own a number of MB manuals. The argument that the MB manual is somehow inferior to the others, simply doesn't wash with me. I've driven MB manuals close to a million miles and have enjoyed EVERY SINGLE SHIFT thoroughly. In addition to that, I have NEVER had the least bit of trouble from an MB manual, only clutch replacements, which, of course, are part of driving a manual. Clutches are wearable parts like brakes.

I go to a lot of trouble to seek out manual transmission cars. It took me about two years to find my '88 300E manual. And I finally bought another new MB when they finally decided to pay me the courtesy of selling me the W203 C Class with a six speed transmission.

The manual transmission MB's I've had over the years have been:

'68 230
'77 240D
'80 240D
'81 240D
'84 240D
'88 300E
'01 C240

They have all been flawless as far as the transmissions go, both enjoyment of operation and reliability.

Sorry to take issue,