Manual cars, whether the four-on-the-tree column shift or a floor conversion, are strongly preferred; the column linkage is called precise until its bushings wear. At least one experienced owner vows never to buy an automatic W110 again, and several listings note a manual would have added value, though the automatic is still described by one seller as a joy in traffic.
Column-shift manual, floor shift, and avoiding the automatic
Mercedes-Benz 190/200/230 Fintail (W110) · driving