I love my 300CD with the manual. I got a marked increase in milage and its a lot more fun to drive. 30 year old MB autos are just too temperamental for my taste. I had a 5 spd in my jeep before I did the engine switch. that one was really annoying in traffic. My excursion would suck with a stick, but my freind bought the 5 spd in his dodge duelly because he likes the control. For me I like the option and the choice, its different for each vehicle and use

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)