Well, having learned the pros and cons of owning a pair of 240Ds, I thought it might be nice to have a 300D with manual heat & AC, and a stickshift. Also reading about the hassles involved in converting a USA 300D, I decided that it might be better to try and find a decent grey-market example. Now that I got through the hassle of registering a grey-market car in Virgina (See my post on 'Open Discussion), I'm happy to report the aqusition of a 1984 Euro 300TD non-turbo, 60-40 split rear-bench, third-row seat, manual heat-AC and factory 5-speed manual tranny. Compared to my pair of 240Ds, it has minimal rust, the engine doesn't scream in my eardrums at highway speeds, and the AC works! It has a new exhaust system, new tires, new brakes all-round and (the PO claimed) a recent clutch. It also came with a German trailer hitch.
Unfortunately, both Euro headlamps had cracked lenses, so I had to install my spare set of Pick-N-Pull US headlamp assemblies to get through VA state-inspection. I may try to get new Euro-lenses later. Hope to make it to the N. VA April GTG next weekend. Wish me luck.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW