I went to look at the 300E with a friend when they first came out. One on the floor had a manual and I commented to the Salesman on what a switch that was for US cars.

The Salesman was not happy since he figured he could not give them away. I told him BMW did not have the same problem but this did not cheer him up.

So my friend bought one but it had an automatic since it was a gift for his wife. He really wanted a manual.

All in all someone at Mercedes was thinking about how to give the customers what they wanted, but I guess there was too much negative feedback from the Salespeople since they had to really sell these cars and not just take orders for them.

It is good to see that one of them has made its' way into the hands of someone who can appreciate it.