I would have to agree with jseries and just pull the engine. I have a big brute 6.9 and heck the previous owners of my car spent 8 grand on it in mechanicals and hydraulics alone. (but still puts a smile on my face to put the hammer down ). An economical 240d with expensive hydraulics is German irony. Perhaps it was used as an around town taxi for Oktoberfest? Four drunken passengers and two barrels of beer in the trunk!?

Out of curiosity....what are the gear ratios of that 5 speed? Does the 5 produce a higher top end speed (as opposed to the four) or do you just get more closely spaced gears?