Wife spilled a cup of water on the center console. CLK did not like that.

Now have several problems. Check engine light on. ABS problem displays.
Will shift into drive. But display does not show what gear. Then from drive will not shift to reverse. (can turn off car, then can go to reverse). Car drives in 1st and reverse only. Also the drivers electric window control work intermittent.

Took off the plastic cover for the console and dried out the unit as much as possible. Could not determine how to take the cover off the shifter unit.

There is a small hole that I was able to get out the water with qtips (sure took a long time). Then put a fan in the car for a day. And blowed in the hole for a while with a blow drier. Of course this did not help. Dealer estimate $1,000 for a new shift control unit. Any suggestions? Besides get a new wife, everyone makes mistakes.

I see this all the time. The only solution I've ever found has been replacement. And MB is aware of this so they are very unlikely to warranty the part, even if your factory warranty isn't up yet.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping you would say let it dry out.

You can try, but I've never personally seen it happen. I believe the damage is done. I definately offer my condolences. If it is any consolation, your wife is a loooong way off from being the first person to do this. Good Luck.

See my previous posts regarding this with my '01 E320. I can say that the new part cost approximately $400 late last year. My parts guy at the dealer felt sorry for me and gave me a bit of a discount ($360 out the door). The good news is that the new shifter is sealed better against moisture (as of about April of 2001). Don't shoot the wife just yet. Mark

I am not a mechanic, thou somwhat mechanically inclined. So I hope to be able to install myself. I was able to get the wood grain plastic cover off the shifter. But was not able to determine how to remove the shifter knob. Also could not figure out how to get off the plastic cover to access the shift control module. There are slots in front and back of the shifter that looks like a plastic tab connector. But was not able to get the tab to release.

Do you know the secret to accessing the shift control module?

Its a shame a little water could incapacite a Mercedes.