My 240 had the same problem when I bought it.
The spring pushed the shaft all the way through the side of the center console.
I just put a hose clamp all around the shifter base to hold the spring in.
It's holding up for the last 100000 miles and 14 years.

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76 240 D. Bought in 1998 for $25.
85 300D. Got it for free with a bad engine. ( Sold )
60 Unimog 404. What was left of it, was given to me. Now powerd by 617A.
88 560 SEL. Bought without engine and trans. Now powerd by 617A.
67 250 SE. Cuope. For resto or sale.
64 220SE. For resto.