In the early 80's when I was working for Steve B. I replaced the synchros in a customer's 1977 240D with approx 120K miles. After repairs were performed, my test drive demonstrated just how nicely a properly operating W123 4speed would shift. Although not a speed demon by any means, the light-by-today's standards 240D could easily keep pace with traffic when wound to redline and the manual transmission was delightful. Although MB makes an excellent autobox, I wish Mercedes still offered manuals for its V8's. Mark