BMW Sequential Manual Gearbox

The Sequential Manual Gearbox II, aka SMG II is a somewhere between a conventional manual and an automatic in terms of operation. You can shift gears in the same way you do with a manual, but there is no need to step on the clutch (actually, there is no clutch). It's done via hydraulics. Instead of the conventional H-pattern, drivers can shift their own gears by pulling back or forward on the "shifter". Shifting is lightning fast. You can also let the computer automatic shift gears for you if you like.

This 2004 325i E46 BMW is equipped with second generation Sequential Manual Gearbox. This car is for sale in the Philippines.

Mercedes-Benz C280 Sportline

If you did not need the monster engines found in Mercedes-Benz's AMG modified cars, and did not want to pay the premium price, but still wanted sportier performance from you Merc, the Sportline package would In the 1990's, Mercedes-Benz offered an option called "Sportline" for its sedans and coupes. The option package included Sport Seating, wider low-profile wheels and tires, quick ratio steering, lowered ride height and a specially tuned suspension.

Not many "Sportline" Merc's are available in the Philippines. I found one for sale a year back or so, a 1995 Mercedes-Benz C280, and made the owner an offer on the car, unfortunately the owner change his mind about selling the car. I found another one, a 1999 Mercedes-Benz C280. Unfortunately, I am not in the market right now, having purchased another car a few months ago.

This car is available for sale here.

Mercedes-Benz 280E W123

The Mercedes-Benz W123 cars were produced by the German manufacturer from 1976 to 1985. W123 Mercedes-Benz'a were sold with gasoline and diesel engines, the most powerful varaint being the W123 280E. The 280E has a 2.8 liter M110 engine which in Euro trim produces 177hp and 173 lb-ft or torque. The US and Japan versions had a tuned down engine which produced 142hp and 149 lb-ft or torque.

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280E is for sale at this link

While W123 Benz's were once the most common being sold in the pre-owned market (a total of 2.5 million) havig n produced, less and less of them are on the road, and even less good samples can be found. Maybe time to invest in one of these classics?