Anyone have a comment on the spy-photo of the new C-class that appeared in this week Autoweek (the black model, not the white one from several week back)?  I for one like it.  Other comments anyone? Now, if I could just convince them that to compete properly in this segment they need to offer it to US customers with the new 6-speed manual used in the SLK.  Yes, I know that nearly all of you traditional MB owers don't care about this, but it sure would be a good change of pace - shake the tree a little as anyone who wants a manual in this segment must choose between Audi and BMW.  By the way, Autocar gave a big thumbs up to the new 6-speed manual in the SLK.  They reported short throws and good feel, something that could not be said of previous M-B manuals from what I read here....

not be said of previous M-B manuals from what I read here.... Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

You should try the latest 5-speed automatic with Touch Shift before opting for a manual.  The manual transmission just doesn't have any overall advantage anymore. For many, I don't think that is true.  Touchshift helps in selecting the right gear, but it does nothing to solve the mushy throttle response you get with any car that has a torque convertor.  There are a few auto-manual cars with actual non-hydraulic clutches (I believe Ferraris and Porsches) that behave just like a manual except that you substitute a button for a clutch pedal and shifter.  I'm sure these are much better in throttle response. I am driving auto/touchshift cars in both my Mercedes and Lexus, and enjoy the compromise of being able to forget the transmission in traffic, but have some control of gear selection on a windy road.  But neither slushbox, touchshift or not, holds a candle to a manual in really spirited driving. If I ever get back into a serious sport car (roadster, coupe, or sedan) it will have to have a manual. - Mark

You should try the latest 5-speed automatic with Touch Shift before opting for a manual.  The manual transmission just doesn't have any overall advantage anymore. Define overall advantage .  I am a driving enthusiast as opposed to a commuter.  I have found the new breed of shiftable automatics to be a gimmick.  Sure, they're more fun than a regular auto, but they are no subsitute for a good ol' stick.  Right now, only BMW caters to the guy who must have a rear wheel drive, four door car with a manual trans.  If MB would offer one, they'd have a new customer. Besides, the Euro MB market gets sticks.

You should try the latest 5-speed automatic with Touch Shift before opting for a manual.  The manual transmission just doesn't have any overall advantage anymore. Del Johnson I drove several 200 D for a long time, only 75 hp and such a nice big car, you need a manual, automatic is crap. But now the times have changed. The new electronic 5-speed has intelligence , and the new diesels have much more power. And I am bored of shifting all the time, 6 is even one more than 5, so I drive an automatic now Anselm from Stuttgart (E 220 CDI, 143 hp) Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.