Yes, the CE came to the US after they had already stopped shipping manual transmission 124's. There were about 700 manual 300E's in '86 and about 300 in '88. Although the two years had slightly different transmissions, they were both five speeds.

It took me about 2 years to find one and it was worth the wait. I have now driven mine almost 200,000 miles and I've really loved it. It is still on the original clutch and the only thing I've ever done to the transmission is change lubricant.

If you were bent on finding a CE with a stick, it would have to be a conversion or a grey market Euro car.

Have a great day,