560 SL Console, Wood Replacement.

[Tom McMenamin]

I received a complete set of new interior wood for my 1988 560SL.
I can figure out most of the replacement process, but I am and have been searching for the method to remove the gear shift knob and subsequently remove the console wood.

I can't seem to find any direction on SEARCH. That doesn't say that it's not there it's just that I can't locate it.

I gotta believe many of you folks have done this job and could offer some key pointers and a simple method of going about this complete replacement.

All help graciously accepted.

[Roncallo]

The gearshift knob doesnt have to be removed.

Start by removing the ashtray. Then the ashtray frame (two screws going straight back into the frame. Then remove two screws at the forward edge of the center wood console. Now lift the forward edge of the wood console slightly and push to the back. There is a pin in the back that must be disengaged by pushing the console back except the mirror switch will get in the way. So you must remove the mirror switch. I have done this by just keep pushing back on the console so that the pin pushes against the mirror switch and pops it loose enough to disengage the pin.

Remove all of the other switches from below. Before putting it back on make sure you replace the little bulb in the gear shift.

John Roncallo

[Tom McMenamin]

Thanks for the reply. I wanted to take off the shifter knob to replace with a wood grain.

Thought it a good idea to do so when I replaced the wood for the console etc?

[donbryce]

I did the shifter knob on my '85 380SE a few years ago. As I recall, the consol wood comes out as Roncallo describes, then you unbolt and push the plastic cover piece up the shaft of the shifter, out of your way. There is a lock nut on the shaft that needs to be loosened, then you unscrew the lever like a bent bolt.
The female part that this is threaded into is spring-loaded, so inserting and turning the new wood lever is a lot harder than you'd think. I fought for over an hour to get it started, but it's pretty simple once it is in the hole a few threads.
I recently put up a thread on doing the dash wood pieces which you might like to peruse 560SL dash wood trim strip replacement questions