shift linkage bushings
 

Putting my Pelican order together and I know I need to replace the bushing on the shift linkage on the 124 because the shifter is very sloppy and it rattles but I am not sure if there is just one, or two? Hoping someone will help so I don't have to get dressed and go out in the dark and crawl under the car:)

Also I am wondering if this will fix my neutral safety switch, it only starts in neutral right now, not park.

Two.

Thanks!

Not to hijack the thread, but is it the same amount on a W123 (83 300D)? This post made me realize I really need to do my bushings as well, as the shifter ticks/rattles unless I wiggle it a bit to find thequiet "sweet spot"

Also, if there is a DIY could someone post the link?

On the 126 and perhaps 123, there are 4 bushings total. Two are up top and tighten the pivot. Two are down below and attach the linkage between the trans and shifter.

The 2 pivot bushings and 1 of the other can be installed from the cabin once the wood is removed.

There are already vids on youtube. I think I used a bolt to pull one of the lower bushings in instead of buying the recommended special $50 pliers. Replacing 3 of 4 was sufficient to get things working. I'll replace the other once the car is up in the air for something else.

OE bushings aren't much more expensive than brand x. The auction sites had all 4 listed with shipping included.

I thought there is 2 large shifter bushings in the shifter housing and 1 or 2 small ones on the outside linkage? The small bushings are kind of cheap so if you bought 2 it would not be a big extra expense not to mention they are small enough to get lost or bumped out of sight.

Repair Links
Fast navigation http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/146034-fast-navigation-do-yourself-links.html

Usually the lower nylon bushings on the shift linkage need replacing. They are likely already gone if you hear metal rattling. The job seems simple, but is a b***h, though not as bad as on later M-B with even less room. You have to lower the engine a bit on some of those. If you buy the $35 plier tool like I did, add a large thick washer to its back-side, otherwise the new bushing will splay out as you try to press it in. Some people get so frustrated they cut the new bushing and roll it into the hole. Clean that side of the transmission thoroughly, and even then expect to get very grubby. Remove the NSS so you can see what you are doing and get another 1/4" to work. Work over clean concrete so you can find the metal retainers as you invariably drop them (can only get 2 fingers in there, and job requires at least 3) and hopefully the bushing each time it pops out of the pliers (need extra, I couldn't find it one time).

Even with the tool, I have found it easiest to just remove the shift arm from the transmission. Trying to get the right leverage and movement with the tool in order to coax the bushing in the hole, is much easier out in the open rather than up in the tunnel. The arm on the end of the shifter is much easier, as the pliers are vertical, and there is more room to manipulate them......Rich

This is a pic of what happend to me. The Bushing in the pic is not supposed to be where it is in the pic.
Also the little Bushing on the linkage was gone.

I replaced the lower bushings on my SE/SD half breed when I installed the transmission/engine.

The 126 takes two sets of 2 bushings to do the entire shifter.

I could install 3 from above and haven't gotten around to the 4th. I didn't have the special pliers and probably used a bolt and washer to install the one bushing down on the linkage.

Gear Shift Bushing 1152671250 - Genuine Mercedes-Benz - 115-267-12-50 | Pelican Parts

Gear Shift Bushing 1159920310 - Genuine Mercedes-Benz - 115-992-03-10 | Pelican Parts

You need 2 each.