I'm looking at a few E280s (93-94). One has a manual 5-speed, the other two are autos. The price and condition of the 5-speed looks great, but over here in UK the MB manuals have a terrible reputation for being baulky and unrefined in contrast to the superb autos. Does that fit with your experience? (All three cars are 400 miles away so I want as much knowledge before trekking down to see them (through the snow!). Cheers.