I could not agree with you more.

The auto 2.2 and even the auto 2.5 are quite slow. The manual 2.2 is, while not quick, at least spirited.

Also, I do not know any other MB from the 60x's or the 61x's in the US that could get in the 40 mpg area (I have gotten as high as 46 mpg). Interestingly, the 46 mpg happened when the car had about 300,000 MILES. I still drive it hundreds of miles a week in a real 4 season location.

Cannot say enough about these cars. (again, i do not want to start a 60x v. 61x debate or a 201 v. 124 v. 123 v. 126 v. 116 debate, but I do like it more than my 123 or my 126 617's).

__________________
Jovan

'84 (11/83) 190D 2.2 5-Speed; Silver/Blue; Motor No. 00354, 402k mi (340+kmi mine)

'89 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe; Black/Black; 53kmi
'05 BMW 530i 6-Speed; 302kmi
'19 Range Rover; 30kmi