I understand that the job can be done by removing parts from the car. I've owned 32 MB diesels in the past 14 years so I've replaced my fair share of shifter bushings (w123, w124, w126, w201). I've always replaced them in situ using ordinary tools. The older, and fatter, I get the less I want to slide in and out from under a car on the cold concrete floor in doorless garage during winter. Eliminating as many unnecessary steps as possible is becoming my goal. The w201 has been the most challenging for this job and I can understand removing the shifting bracket at the transmission to make the job easier, but all the others I've done were pretty accessible from underneath the car with one visit. I was just curious if anyone had used a cherry pitter as it seems like a very good option. It appears that it has been tried and was successful. The pitter may be too fragile (I'm thinking it is), but I guess I'll find out soon enough since I am suspicious of one of the bushings on one of my w124's. If it doesn't work then I'll use my old method, with one visit under the car.

Thanks for the input. This forum is the best place to gain an education on MB diesels.