I have no problem with a well-functioning auto-box, but only a few of the various W123 & older automatic Benzes I've owned or driven, fit into this category.
My Mom used to have a '70 automatic 250 sedan that performed flawlessly, a friend of a friend had an auto '70 250C that ran like a scalded cat (apologies to cat-lovers), a ladyfriend had an autobox '76 280S that performed remarkably well considering the two-ton car, with 'park-bench' bumpers, was being propelled only by a desmoggged & carbed 2.8 six, and I've even driven a couple of automatic 240Ds that I could live with.
But many older Mercedes automatics I've experienced have been sluggish (most 240Ds), quirky-jerky (my '66 230 Fintail, a friend's '68 280S), or both (my first, automatic 240D).
So now my preference in an old Benz is for the manual-tranny, even with a column-shift. I still remember how much I enjoyed test-driving a '69 280S 4-speed column-shift many years go. And the tired manual '60 Fintail 220S I drove for a few years, was certainly a more enjoyable performer, than my previous automatic Fintail. Currently, I also own an '84 Euro 5-speed 300TD and a solid '82 4-speed stick 240D. As a friend, and onetime owner of a '68 stick-shift 280SE, once told me "These cars feel 500 pounds lighter with a stick!"

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW