Which Mercedes-Benz’s Have a Manual Transmission?
Although Mercedes hasn’t sold a stick shift in the United States since 2011, American buyers might consider used options in the SLK or C classes.
Written by Sara Brody
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Does Mercedes still make a manual?
- SLK 250
- SLK 200
- C300
- C180
- C200
- Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
- How to find affordable Mercedes insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Committed to the electrification of its vehicles, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t sold a manual transmission-equipped car in the United States since 2011. However, buyers who desire a manual car may be able to find several used models.
Although many car enthusiasts prefer a manual gearbox over an automatic, the clutch may soon go extinct. Close to 99% of cars sold in the United States in 2019 had automatic transmissions.
But if your dream car isn’t complete without a clutch,
car insurance
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can help you find the perfect stick shift and save money on car insurance. In this article, we’ll take a look at five manual options from Mercedes still available to buy used—including the sleek SLK 250. We'll also tell you how you might be able to save on your Mercedes-Benz car insurance costs
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Does Mercedes still make a manual?
No—Mercedes has not manufactured a manual transmission-equipped vehicle in the United States since 2011, when the last six-speed stick was sold in the sports trim of the C300. In 2020, to demonstrate commitment to the electrification of its vehicles, Mercedes-Benz brand chief Marcus Schaeffer confirmed that the company will eliminate manual transmissions entirely.
Nonetheless, stick shift enthusiasts who have their heart set on a Mercedes can still consider used options on the market. Along with the SLK 250 and the C300 mentioned previously, buyers might also consider the SLK 200, C180, and C200 models.
MORE: How to drive stick or manual cars
SLK 250
Starting price: $40,874
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 is a stylish two-door convertible with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and petrol motor. It’s rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual gearbox.
With a maximum top speed of 152 mph, the SLK 250 is an attractive option to buyers who want a luxury sports car that is also a stick shift.
SLK 200
Starting price: $28,000-$39,000
Like the newer SLK 250, the SLK 200 is a compact executive two-door roadster with a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and petrol motor. As is common among cars with manual transmissions, the SLK 200 is only available with rear-wheel drive.
The biggest difference between the SLK 200 and SLK 250 models is the BHP: 181 BHP for the SLK 200 compared to the SLK 250’s BHP of 201. There’s also a notable difference in torque, with the SLK 200 maxing out at 300 Nm (221 ft-lb) at 1,200-4,000 rpm compared to the SLK 250’s maximum torque of 310 Nm (228 ft-lb) at 2,000-4,300 rpm.
MORE: The 2007 Mercedes SLK: a classic modern roadster
C300
Starting price: $35,000
The
C300
is a luxury four-door sedan with a naturally aspirated V6 cylinder engine and petrol motor. For buyers seeking a stick shift, the W204 Class C 300 Berlina comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Safe, reliable, and classy, the C300 is a great fit for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts who favor sedans over sports cars—but with its lower-than-average 25 mpg fuel efficiency, it’s better suited for daily commutes than long road trips.
C180
Starting price: $2,000-$8,000
The W204 Class C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Berlina comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 156 horsepower. With better mileage than the C300 at 35 mpg, it’s as stylish as it is practical.
C200
Starting price: $15,620
The W204 Class C 200 Kompresser is a four-door coupe and another viable option for buyers seeking manual transmissions. Like other Mercedes stick shifts, it features a standard six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. With an inline four-cylinder engine and 184 horsepower, it’s more powerful than the C180 but gets worse mileage at 31 mpg.
Benefits and drawbacks of a manual transmission
If you’re a car lover, perhaps you already have a firm stance in the
manual versus automatic transmission
debate. However, if you’re on the fence or haven’t given the question much thought, read on to learn a few advantages of a manual transmission.- Pro: Manual transmissions are typically cheaper.
- Pro: When it comes to transmission issues, you’ll have lower repair costs for a manual than for an automatic.
- Pro: They’re fun to drive!
That said, manual gearboxes aren’t perfect. They also can come with the following disadvantages:
- Con: Three-pedal driving can get exhausting in stop-and-go traffic.
- Con: It’s harder to learn to drive a manual—and with fewer and fewer on the market, you’ll have a harder time finding someone to teach you.
- Con: In the past, manual transmissions got better fuel economy, butthe opposite is truethese days.
Lastly, a major drawback of manual transmissions is that they are, nowadays, hard to find. As of 2021, just
27 new cars with a manual transmission
were available in the US. Key Takeaway Even if manual transmissions are harder to drive and find, they can also come with lower repair costs and simply feel more fun to drive.
How to find affordable Mercedes insurance
Whether you’re a stick shift superfan or you prefer the simplicity of an automatic transmission, car insurance super app
Jerry
is here to help you find the lowest rate on car insurance.For starters, Jerry is effortless to use. Just download the
trustworthy licensed broker app
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Is a manual or an automatic better?
Anyone who has listened to car enthusiasts debate the matter knows that the answer isn’t simple. In the end, it’s a matter of preference. If you find driving a stick shift more enjoyable and want to lower upfront and repair costs, a manual transmission might suit you well.
Is a manual transmission Mercedes more reliable?
On top of having lower repair costs in general, cars with manual transmissions can also be more reliable in that manual gearboxes have simpler mechanics and are less likely to break.
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