I replaced mine (W124) years ago when the knob broke off the shaft. Don't remember the process being all that difficult.

As said, removal of the console is necessary, but I had been in there before.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car