i would tend to agree with MTI, with a slight variation. If I am in the market for a manual-transmission car, I would go for a BMW (3series or 5series). It has a sportier and more driver-oriented demeanor that is in line with the more driver-involved nature of shifting it manually. I would then complement this with a proper MB sedan with an automatic transmission (e.g. an E420/400E).

that said, you would have to pry my hands off my 5speed-manual 190e 2.6 ...

what I would really want though, is a manual C36 ... this would keep my mind off the BMW alternative ...

the upshot of these manual MB cars not being in high demand is that we manual-shifting enthusiasts can easily afford them, IF we can find one ...