I need to remove the knob on my 2000 ML to replace the window switch assy. The instructions given Simple Web Page here say to turn the black plastic retainer at the bottom of the shifter and just lift up on the knob. The 2000 must be different. Turning the retainer just allows a plastic cover to drop down. Under that is more plastic, looks like a nut with spanner slots. I can see threads in the chrome shaft. I tried turning the bottom nut but nothing wants to move. Any ideas?

Been a while, but I've done this repair twice in the 12 years I've owned my 99 ML 320. I can't remember how my knob came off, but I don't recall any problem. Here are detailed instructions I followed to repair mine. Hope this helps.

Simple Web Page

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Like I said, mine seems to be different. You posted the same link I did.

Sorry. I skimmed right over that.

I've seen several references that indicate you just rotate the bottom plastic collar CCW and then pull the knob straight up.

Here's a link that from a guy trying to replace the shutter. It has pictures of the shifter with and without the knob.

98 ML Gear Selector Cover Broken! - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

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I really appreciate you're trying to help. My 2000 is obviously different from anything I can find instructions for. I rotated the plastic retainer CC and it is just a cover for a plastic nut of some kind. I can see chrome threads . I hate to get it all munged up with plier marks but I guess I can try to unscrew that.

Maybe it would help if you posted a picture.

I've done several of these on similar models as well (in fact my W210 has a knob from a W163 on it) and all of them from the factory, you turn the conical plastic "nut" on the bottom, it drops down, then you "just" lift the knob off. If it has been on there a while you can gently prise apart the plastic ears on the shift knob (that are revealed when you pop the conical "nut" out of the way) and then wiggle and pull and wiggle and pull some more until it pops off.

Is it possible that what you are calling "threads" is just the grooved/collar, the view of which is interrupted by the plastic ears? The ears lock into it when the conical "nut" is in place, so prising them apart may get them out of the groove enough, too.

But if that's not working, as I say, post some pictures. It's possible someone has mounted some aftermarket thing on there that has a shaft over the MB shaft, so you'll have to figure out how to get that off separately.

Nothing aftermarket, I've owned since new. Maybe I just didn't understand the directions, didn't pry for fear of damaging it. I try again tomorrow. Thanks!

I got it off! Thanks ! Pulling, twisting, and pulling some more did the trick. I think I'll lube the shaft with some silicon spray when I put it back so next time will be easier.

I finally had the time and relatively warm weather to replace the window switch assembly. How easy can it get when you can get the great advise from this forum. 1/2 hour and new switch assembly in place & working. I found the switch for $83 from Discount MB parts and had to look there because here the part is not stocked.

To replace the window switch you put the shift in neutral and pull the cover up over it and pop out the panel