I wouldn't have considered an auto either but I read so many things on here about the manual jumping out of first gear or difficult to engage reverse etc.
I also spoke to the Merc dealer who said he wouldn't have an auto on the forecourt as they are rubbish.
The thing is with most manufacturers the auto's are slower than the manual and have worse fuel consumption however with Crossfire the fuel consumption and performance are almost identical.
Plus it's a tiptronic.


Norrie.