MBZ 123 240D Manual Trans stuck in 1st !
 

My 1981 MBZ 123 240D 4-spd manual transmission is stuck in first gear and I can't get it to shift to another gear or neutral! The trans has always been smooth and I don't know how to troubleshoot what might be the problem. Is there maybe an easy fix with the linkage? I had backed out of my driveway using reverse. I then shifted into 1st gear and now it is stuck in first gear. The interior shift lever doesn't seem to be able to shift to any other gear.

Jim.....

Get under the car and check the 3 linkages between the shifter and the gearbox. I've seen one that locked up in 2 gears because all the linkages bushes were worn out.

If you find worn bushes then change them all, they are easy on W213's and they are cheap.

That's the best place to start.

I'm not sure but there may be a kickdown button under the gas pedal that is stuck down. This button is on other models. My 1985 had the mat stuck in the button. If it has a button, you need to pop it back out or lube it to get it to pop back out.

The kickdown switch is only installed in automatic-tranny cars.