Hey folks it's been a while since I have been on this fourm. I guess it is good since my car is running great. I do however, now have a small problem with my gear shifter. I had never noticed a sound that had now became very noticable, and it's a concern, because I have read that someday it may complety fail. When I shift, (automatic) my shifter seems to have a clunking metalic noise and tends not to be smoth as I move the shifter from any position. How about some help?
AL

have you looked at the bushings on the shift rod? that is likely the source of the noise

The question is do I just remove the 4 bolts and pick up the shift lever module, and will parts go flying out?

You can do that if you want, but they are sensitive to torque specs so find out what the spec is before starting in on it. To check the bushings you can just do that under the car though, the linkage is visible next to the transmission.
Gilly

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I replaced one of the bushings on my 2000 C280. It was totally gone. The shift out of Park was really tight.

They look like this:

http://www.***************/search/productx.aspx?sid=esroma55lt5sszj1n3asva55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1363799@C230&year=2000&cid=33@Transmission/Transaxle%20System&gid=2329@Gear%20Shift%20Part

Phil probably has them too, but I couldn't find them.

This one was a lot easier to replace than on a w124. You can just reach up and squeeze the green ones in with a little grease and your fingers. On the w124 you need to remove the linkage and press in the bushing which are clear plastic.

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280
1990 LS400

Here is a good link with tips on replacing the bushing:

http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5142&highlight=shift+bushing

Doug

The best way to do it to have the car on a lift or you will be ready to kill someone and or pincha nerve in your neck.
Sounds like your shifter bushing is totally gone and the rod is held on by the compression clip only.
Should take about ten minutes for the shop to do it.
Take it to an independent cause the dealer will rake you over the coals for $3.00 worth of rubber bushings.
If you do decide to do it yourself, please use jack stands or ramp if you can get the car on rams without tearing your front end off.
The easiest thing is to just pay someone to do it and be done with it.