Manual Mercedes. 2.6 + craigslist content

[Mr. Rolleyes]

Am i missing something here? I have a serious need for this car.

How great or terrible is this?

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/3313446047.html

[sp_golf]

My friend has one, nothing special, it's also pretty slow. He's selling it if you're interested.

[Harv]

The transmission isn't great.

The E30 is a better car all around.

[MAG58]

It seems to be in pretty decent shape but he's still a little high on price even if it is a manual.

[ValveCoverGasket]

go drive it and see how you like the feel of the manual trans... theres a reason nearly all of these were automatics.

[Numbersix]

go drive it and see how you like the feel of the manual trans... theres a reason nearly all of these were automatics.

What he said.

These aren't fun cars with a manual. If this is anything like the 300E 5 speed I drove (very much a unicorn), the clutch pedal offered ZERO information about the friction point which meant stepoff and upshifts were a guessing game, and the trans linkage is perhaps the worst I've used next to an '84 Chrysler Caravan.

Also, 158hp (IIRC) doesn't move this car with much verve.

Looks to be exceptionally well cared-for, though, and that counts for something.

[MRVW00]

Meh at best.

[Iroczgirl]

It's about as fast as a Mk2 Jetta with an N/A diesel if that says anything.

Once you're at freeway speeds it gets to be much nicer.

[fourmotioneer]

My dad used to drive a 2.3-16, which had a bit more power in the revs, but less grunt down low. I never had a problem with the way that accelerated, though it was likely lighter, and it sounded really really great. I'd imagine that the 2.6 has beefier acceleration. I haven't driven a 2.6, but I loved the 2.3-16...

I'd say get the 2.6. I like the way the 190E's feel build-wise, especially compared to an e30. This one seems clean enough and the price is negotiable.

[Mr. Rolleyes]

I dont need to go fast, just a car to put around once in a while.

There is no way to justify this to the boss but this combo looks perfect to me.

[MRVW00]

Driving a manual Merc of this era is like churning a pound of butter in a oil drum, with the driving pleasure comparable to seeing your grandmother naked.

Avoid it at all cost.

[mike02467]

I've always heard the transmissions in these cars were awful. Why not just do what everyone else does and get an e30??