Those W123 240D manuals are just right.....no notchy feel, the throws are just right, they are really fun. Not like some manuals, that feel like stirring a broomstick in oatmeal.

You might note that a VERY highly regarded fellow diesel forum member Zack K. "Boardmonger" down the road from you in San Jose is reluctantly selling his 1981 gray market euro spec 300D W123 manual. These cars are really scarce, and his is a really nice one. All the 240 D advantages PLUS the euro heater controls, bumers and the other advantages you'd get with a euro W123 car. It has records even back to Germany, and has been licensed in Calif. since 1984 I think, the direct MB shop link is in his signature. You really ought to think about looking about that car....I'd get it myself if I had a need for another car and a place to put one

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)