When I got our 240D in December 2011, the owner said he was having trouble starting it. Looked on the net and came to the conclusion the shift rod bushings might be the problem. I got both but only had time to replace 1 until this week when it started acting up again so I replaced the other. Now it won"t start unless you push on the shifter while turning the key. Also tried to start in neutral it will not turn over in the N position but will when the shifter is in between N and R. Does it sound like the rod is just out of adjustment or is something else the problem. Thanks for your help.

Do the reverse lights come on when the transmission (not just the shift lever) is in reverse? If so, the problem could be the shift rod. However, considering the transmission probably didn't shift relative to the shift lever, refreshing the bushings should put things back in order. If not, how I do it is to adjust the NSS (neutral start switch) such that it's in the middle of the range in which the reverse lights come on when the transmission is in reverse. Then set the shift lever in reverse and adjust the shift rod accordingly. A shade more meaningful procedure would be to disconnect the battery and test for continuity between the NSS and starter. Set the NSS at the center of the continuity range when the shift lever is in neutral, then adjust the shift rod with the shift lever in neutral.

Sixto
87 300D^2

Don't have time to try it tomorrow. I will try it on monday. I'll post how it goes.