I recently drove an '86 300E with a manual transmission. What a dream and all the difference in the world from my '87 300E. This car had a new transmission but needed an AC compressor and had the original alternator. The car has been used as a tow vehicle behind a large motor home. It had towing rings welded to the frame that exited through the front bumper. They were asking $3500. By the time I invested in a new AC system (needed here in Palm Springs), a new alternator and a new bumper, I was looking at an '86 car with close to $6000 invested. The car has about 135K and I do not know what else was needed. The car had Texas plates but is currently in Colorado as the owner has something to do with the Colorado baseball team. I can probably find a phone number if anyone is interested.