Well....I'm glad I asked is all I can say! This really is quite overwhelming and almost unanimous against the manual. I think we'll have to try them back to back. There's a place only 4 miles up the road where we looked at a manual and he had a similarly specced auto so I'll ask to take the Pepsi challenge at the weekend.
Reassuring that the gearbox seems to be the only complaint though. Thanks for the input chaps.
Can you PM me some details Dave? She has her heart set on the later model but I have tried to point her at the earlier one as it would be a slightly cheaper way in to ownership, and I think they still look alright for their age. Would be a hard sell I think but worth a try.
I have a R170 SLK 320 auto and am very pleased especially with the engine combined with the auto gearbox. Rust can be a problem as well as the electric (seats and seat heater). Check the motor for oil loss due to aged seals (especially the valve cover gasket). Not a big problem but seems to be quite common and can (and should) be fixed easily.