PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 5-speed 300e-Collectors Item?

Greg in Oz · #23 05-13-2004, 11:20 PM

In Australia (as appears to be the case in the USA), manual MBs are only appreciated by MB "nutters" like me. We have very few manual MBs here (although currently there is a small demand for manual SLKs and C-class Sport Coupes and sedans). It's not that Aussies won't drive manuals, it's just that most manuals are small, low priced cars, sports cars, or V8 "muscle" cars. Manual "luxury" cars are restricted mainly to BMW or Porsche. The few manual MBs that were available in the past were mainly W201s and W202s, and then only in four cylinder versions. Occasionally you will see a manual R107 or W116 (280 or 350), W108 or W123, but these will generally be a "grey" import. I am unaware of any six cylinder W124s or W201s coming here with manual transmissions.

Early last year I purchased my 1990 190E, really only due to it being a 5-speed manual Sportline 2.3 (most here were 2.0 or 1.8). I have subsequently found out that it is one of only 15 190E Sportlines believed to have come here, and possibly the only in manual. Despite this, I picked it up for for the same price as any regular 190E in similar (very good and original) condition. About a year before I purchased it, I had seen it advertised for a silly price (presumably based upon the owner's belief that its rarity would attract a high price).

Whilst the car attracts considerable interest, particularly among club members, most still seem to prefer automatics in their MBs. If I was to try to sell it I would probably find the same limited market (although I can think of a few club members who might be intersted). Not that this is likely to happen. It has turned out to be a car I really enjoy. The manual transmission is a delight to use (no, not the fastest shift around but not as bad as some would have you believe), performance is respectable and the Sportline handling is truely superb. It is a perfect daily driver for me and can still fit my family for those times when I want to enjoy it on a country drive. I often wish my 350SLC and our 300TE were manuals, although my wife would probably not agree. It would be an interesting (but unlikely in Oz) experience to drive a manual with the M103 (or M104) engine.

I would suggest that whilst it will have some appeal to a select market, your manual 300E will never be particularly valuable. Due to it's relative rarity in your country, I would enjoy it and maintain it in good, original condition so that others can enjoy it when you decide to sell it.