I have had the "pleasure" of driving a newer 750 and the shifter, stereo controls are counter-intuitive. I don't like the idea either, but I imagine we will get used to it. More "technology for the sake of technology"

I've seen photos of W123s with column shifters.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
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2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!