Hi,
I have a 1986 300e,(just recently bought it), And I have 2 quick questions:
1) was wondering if there is suppose to be a light luminating the gear shift area (mine is dark), Its kinda frustrating to guess what gear you are in at night. And all other cars usually light up at night, so I am thinking so, But, how do I replace the bulb , and/or is there a fuse directly for that light?

2) I have read several threads on this, but didnt fit my condition: My rear headrests dont go down, is there a fuse for this?..everything else works fine, sunroof, seats, door locks, just not the headrests, is it vaccum or fuse?..thanks

There is a bulb for the shift selector illumination. It is located at the front of the selector under the center console woodgrain.

The rear headrests use an electrical switch thats activates vacuum actuators. I would look in the trunk and inspect the actuators to make sure the hose conections are tight.

Also look in the stereo removal section of the DIY section of this site. You will see a good description of removing the center wood console. Mine shift is dark to and I will be tackling it this weekend. Let me know if you see anything wierd if you get to it first ;)

Piece of cake...
 

hey guys,
I looked at the DIY diagram for removing the woodgrain, and it was a piece of cake. I just pulled up the carpet, (its just friction holding it in), and then there is a simple screw to undo, after that I gently pulled up the woodgrain console from the back. It took just a minute or 2 to loosen it up, and presto, out it poped.! (I also put the car in neutral to get the console over the gearknob). after that I just slid the light housing out from under the front part of the gearbox, I went to Auto Zone tonight, and walla, they had the bulb, I just stuck it in and Allluminate!! its pretty to see:) thanks for everything guys.. Also, I washed the carpet while I had it out, looks brand new.!! if you have any questions just let me know.!

Hey! I did mine too. Like you said a walk in in the park! Cleaned the switches too while I was in there. One of them was sticky. Not any more! I have to buy the bulb now. Glad to hear they have it at Autozone.

[Edited by yal on 04-16-2001 at 10:34 PM]

Supposedly my 1995 C280 has a shift light too, but I can't find it when I lift up the console wood? Can anyone help me locate it?
Also, why do you think these are such common lights to burn out?

Mine Too
 

Mine was blown too
Thanks
:D

Dave,
Your light bulb should be in the bottom front left corner of the shifter housing. You should be able to see two wires just pull them out and replace bulb.
As for frequent burning, all I can say is that they are like all light bulbs. You never know when it will burn out.

Vinamg

The rear headrests are partial electrical and partial vacuum (as already mentioned). I don't know exactly about the W124, but in the W202 there is an electrical valve under the rear deck that allows the (engine)vacuum to pull down the rear head rests after the switch on the center console is pushed.
Do the rear headrests come down when you push the button a little longer (if this is the case, you probably have a vacuum leak)? Are you able to hear a (minimal) clicking noise when you push the button (it can be heard if the electrical valve does work)?

There is a fuse for the rear headrests.
The vacuum that controls the rear headrests has nothing to do with the central locking vacuum (separate systems).

greetingz,