Just replaced the clutch on my 1980 W126 280SE. What a difference. It shifts so much better now. Either there was an extremely heavy duty clutch or it was over heated and the springs were "re-tempered" to be very stiff. I also have new tires on it (went on 25 miles before clutch blew) so that helps as well. Shifter is still lousy but I can see some new bushings on the rods will help a bit. Even with new bushings I do not think it will shift very well those rods are long and it feels like you are stirring pudding. But i am comparing to my Miata and that has one of the best feeling shifters of any car. Hope to be getting a digital camera soon or at least get some film developed so I can post some photos. It is not in great shape but fun to have a family truckster with a stick. Keeps the wife from driving it.

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Currently
1991 Mazda Miata 174000
1991 Subaru 189,000 Winter beater

got rid of:
1984 VW Vanagon 195,000
1976 350SE Euro 185,000 KM
1973 280SE 4.5 (boy do I regret that)
1980 280SE European W126 4 speed manual (miss it)
1989 BMW 735iL 119000 (good riddance)