Which Mercedes models come with a manual gearbox?

Mainly the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and older C-Class generations, plus the Citan, Vito and Sprinter vans. The E-Class, large SUVs and recent AMG models are almost always automatic.

Is a manual Mercedes cheaper to maintain than an automatic?

Usually yes, because it avoids automatic and dual-clutch gearboxes, which are costly to repair. On diesels, treat the clutch and dual-mass flywheel as wear parts.

What should I check on a manual Mercedes diesel?

Listen for vibration and knocking at idle and when pulling away, signs of a worn dual-mass flywheel. A clutch that slips in high gears, or bites right at the top of the pedal, is near the end.

Cars

Used Mercedes with a manual gearbox in Portugal

Found 3,006 cars

From €600 to €160,000, half under €15,500 · Typically 2015 with 179,000 km · Most listed: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The six-speed manual survived mainly in entry-level Mercedes such as the A-Class, B-Class and CLA, in older C-Class generations and in the vans. Across its new cars the brand has moved almost entirely to automatics.