For '83, in the USA, the 5 speed was standard on the diesel. I had wanted it
badly when we bought the '82, but they wouldn't consider it even for Euro
delivery. I believe I missed the factory change over and delivery by 3 to 5
weeks. The market died in the US during and after the '82 model year probably
due to pricing (I was routinely offered the '82 Diesel Westfalia for $16,000,
and the dealer order price for the '83 was right at $18,000). In any case,
many '82's remained in dealer stock, therefore only prepaid orders. I drove
one of the '83's and was very disappointed. The 3rd/4th choice didn't seem
well suited to the machine. 3rd on the regular 4 speed was more flexible.
That said, I have been looking for one of these for many years w/o success.
Just missed one at a local yard by days last week.

Frank Grunthaner