Shifter Bushing Experience
 

My 380SL's shifter went bad, and I put up with "hunting" for the gear for a while. Because I was going to do the exhaust stuff anyway, I did this job. It was not fun. I couldn't justify spending $40 on the tool, so I thought I'd use the "washer and bolt" system that others have used in installing these, and I made a tool like this.

Anyway, I discovered that one bushing was entirely missing, and the other was out, leaving the shifter rod operating and being held in only by the clips! I did this on -SEVERAL- well-placed jackstands, and additional backup safety systems, so I didn't have a lot of space to work with. The bolt and washer installation was extremely difficult and I just couldn't get it to work although it seemed to work on my spare 560SL shifter out of the car. I couldn't get the lever off of the transmission either, although I loosed the clamping bolt.

So, I microwaved the part for about 3 shots of 10 seconds each. I'm not sure that this is a great idea, for several reasons. Firstly, I took an old one and permanently distorted it from overheating this way. Secondly, the way microwaves work is they heat water, and I suspect that this soft plastic contains some moisture. Heating it this way may pull some of it out, and reduce the life expectancy of the part. But, I was tired, and I did it basically by hand. I can't say I recommend this but this did work.

This was, needless to say, an ENORMOUS improvement in the feel of the shifter, and also eliminated a mysterious rattle:)

Hi Strife,

I've heard of people soaking the bushing in hot water to make it more pliable.

The shifter on my 560sl is starting to feel loose, so I may be doing this in the future. Did you have to take apart the console at all, or was it all done from under the car?

David

The clamping bolt you are refering to must be completely removed, for it sets in a detent on the shaft. Once the bolt is out and if the bracket is still tight, you can insert a screwdriver between the 2 sides of the bracket and spread them just slightly; it will come right off. Once the bracket is in a vice, inserting the bushing is just a walk in the park.

Ahhh...no wonder. It would have been much easier to remove it and then put the bushing in.

There is an access hole to get to the bushing shifter itself, not a lot of room to work with, but might be easier access than taking apart the whole console, if you are underneath already.

A follow-up: I bought a few genuine MB parts as for my other car as well as a few spares. The genuine MB parts are definitely made out of a slightly harder plastic. This may have affected my ability to use the "screw press" - this might have worked fine with the genuine part.