Well, my vote is for a 245GL LH 2.4 with a M47 5-speed ('89 or later). A lot of others voted for the '88, but the engine management and performance of the LH 2.4 is much improved with the later ECU, even if it's the 'Dreaded' 561 (which I have). Better all-round temp/altitude/weather condition running. The good thing about the '89 is there's a throttle switch and not the sensor w/LH 2.4, which gets fuel volume (acceleration) by engine speed & vacuum and not sensor position, better performance.
You really should focus on the '90 & 91 240's that have the 5-speed and LH 2.4, those years have the de-bugged ECU.
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'89 245 Sportwagon, '96 960 sedan