I'm seeing more and more 190-series around here...saw a 2.6l with a slushbox today...

Something about an automatic just **seems** like its fragile- I mean, -like in the torque converter you are transmitting the full power of the engine-through 3 quarts of liquid- I guess its just that efficient and heat-dissipative a device.

My 240's clutch has yet to make me unhappy (so much lighter than the VW Corrado clutch....) that comparatively light effort makes me say "heck yeah, I want a sticky-stick in every car I own"
My brother owns one of the vaulted 300E std shifts- its probably the "all around nicest" car I know of"

I have finally gotten over my S-class aversion and would now make that "sacrifice" to have a bigger nicer car. However-If they DID make a 5spd SDL, I'd flog it like it like a dominatrix and smile even bigger =)

-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)