I own a 1988 260E and I am about to do a lot of repair work on it and I have a few questions.

First off, the shifter is loose and rattles when the car is on. I heard something about shifter bushings, but I have no clue what these are, where to get them, or how to change them.

Second, I made the mistake of pressing the odometer reset button while the car was in motion, so now it does not turn and rattles when the car is moving.

Also, sometimes when starting off, the engine hesitates for a second, then decides to go.

The engine does not sound smooth when it runs and something under the hood makes a clicking sound. Is this normal?

I saw some "Euro" headlights for this car on eBay and those things aren't cheap! They are around $350. What's the difference? Are the worth it? Is there any place where I can get them cheaper? I would also like some clear corner lights if anyone knows where to get them.

When opening and closing the doors, they stop half way and make a horrid sound. I know they just need oil somewhere, but where?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to this forum, so let's see what happens!

Thanks,

Matt

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1988 260E

oh yeah, one more thing.

the automatic headrests will go up, but not down, and often get jammed at the lowest position. any idea on how to fix this?

Thanks,
Matt

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1988 260E

you might want to post the the Tech Help section

"First off, the shifter is loose and rattles when the car is on. I heard something about shifter bushings, but I have no clue what these are, where to get them, or how to change them.

* The shifter bushings are small little plastic caps (I think there are 2) and they fit under the gear shifter in the box. Relatively cheap parts to purchase but am not sure if its a DIY job.


Second, I made the mistake of pressing the odometer reset button while the car was in motion, so now it does not turn and rattles when the car is moving.

* Is the speedo meter moving?


Also, sometimes when starting off, the engine hesitates for a second, then decides to go.

* Our 260E displays a similar trend which irritates me a little especially at junctions. While trying to console myself that almost everyone has said the same thing, I'm determine to think its not and am thinking of cleaning out the carbon at the fuel divider and perhaps give it a tune-up. Worst, I dread to think it could be time for a tranny rebuilt, which was last done in 96.


The engine does not sound smooth when it runs and something under the hood makes a clicking sound. Is this normal?

* Ours sound similar on cold-start. But generally, this engine sounds quite heavy and at occasions may be mistaken for a diesel. There has been suggestions of a loose tappet but somehow I think this is minor compared to the drooling boost of power at junctions.


I saw some "Euro" headlights for this car on eBay and those things aren't cheap! They are around $350. What's the difference? Are the worth it? Is there any place where I can get them cheaper? I would also like some clear corner lights if anyone knows where to get them.

* Euro headlights have chrome all them round the socket and looks far brighter than when it first come out from the dealers. We got them fixed at the dealer for about the same price.


When opening and closing the doors, they stop half way and make a horrid sound. I know they just need oil somewhere, but where?

* Try greasing the hinges instead. But the doors are built solid to the extent that they don't need greasing unless it has been knocked and the alignment of door needs attention to. The last thing any MB door needs is greasing.


Would be an excellent idea to post this at the Tech's forum as my replies above may not be as concise and accurate as others would. I speak only from my experience from maintaining what we have in our stable while others make a living from giving similar advise.

Good day.

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... Kerry

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