[denisond3]

Is it only hard to get into first gear, or are all gears the same? And is it hard with the engine running - but easy if the engine is stopped?

If its only hard going into first, and only hard with the engine running, then I would think something was getting between the flywheel and the clutch disc or pressure plate. I dont know what the effect would be if the clutch disc were put in backwards, since I havent made that mistake - yet. Also a cracked release fork might be a problem having this symptom.

I had to replace the clutch in my 96 SL1, and took the opportunity (while the engine/trans were out) to put in new shifter cables. The old ones were looking ratty where they hook to the levers on the back of the transmission. It was quite a chore to get them hooked up to the trans. There are clips that keep the shifter cables lined up where they attach to the transmission, and it was a fight to get the properly lined up.
Also dont ignore that you might have some gooey stuff that has gotten spilled onto the 'ball' that the shift lever moves in, underneath the 'leather' boot on the console.

And of course there is fluid in it - right?