I've been continuing the work on my parents 300D an I've started to move it around a little, (just like a few feet forward, a few feet back) and the shifter isn't lining up with the P,N,R,D etc.. labels on the track. I'm really hoping there is a simple fix here and it doesn't indicate a much worse problem, really hoping you guys can help.

Have you examined the condition of the shifter bushing?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

No, I haven't really investigated it at all yet, that very well could be it, I'll do some checking tomorrow morning

The shifter bushings are very cheap (less than $3.00 each). It is best to use a bolt, washers, and nut to install the bushings. Put a little grease on them to ease their installation.

This about selling tools but the pictures are worth a thousand words - 1968 to 1995 Mercedes Automatic Transmission Shift Rod Bushing Replacement Tools by Kent Bergsma - YouTube

Sixto
87 300D

You will have a total of 5 shifter bushings that will need to be replaced, 2 in the shifter itself, 2 on the rod going to the shifter and one on the presser control rod on the opposite side of the trans......good pictorial....

DIY Console Shifter Bushing Replacement - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Two of these
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=115-267-12-50-M200&catalog_description=&Gear%2520Shift%2520Bushing%2520%252D%2520Floor%2520Shifter%2520

Two of these
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=115-992-03-10-M36&catalog_description=&Gear%2520Shift%2520Bushing%2520

One of these
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=110-277-05-50-M22&catalog_description=&Transmission%2520Control%2520Rod%2520Bushing%2520

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