None of the automatics will hold up to the diesel engine's torque unless handled VERY gently, and even then probably have limited life.

Get a 5-speed, you won't regret it. Saves fuel, and if you get a beefy one, will last forever.

Towing heavy trailers with light duty transmissions won't work -- they get overloaded every time. Diesels produce prodigous torque, and the trannies inevitably slip too much, wearing the clutches out.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!