brewtoo, thanks for the info. Glad I don't have to modify mine.

chazola, I always wanted non-slushbox Mercedes until (a) they essentially stopped bringing them over here, (b) they stopped putting them on V-8's, and (c) I moved to Jax, FL from Gainesville (Steve Brotherton country) and had to drive in rush hour traffic (nothing "rushed" about rush hour traffic here). I also had the opportunity to drive a 2000 E200 six speed in Europe a few summers back. Although driving this car and an E430 4matic is what made me look into and eventually buy an 01 E55, the shifter was very rubbery and I frequently shifted into 4th instead of 6th at speed. I caught my mistake before blowing up the engine but the lack of feel and terrible precision was a real disappointment. From what I read in the magazine reviews Mercedes still has not corrected this problem. A far cry from the 123 240D manuals I used to drive and repair. Very nice 4 speeds with excellent feel. I guess I would have to drive a BMW if I want the manual trans. Mark