Shift lever backlighting - 1994 E320
 

Can someone tell me how to access and replace the bulbs that illuminate the shift selector position in the center console of a W124, E320, 1994 sedan? Thanks. :)

I don't know how this is done, but there has been discussion of this in the past. DO A SEARCH and you'll surely find out how.
Good luck.

Info Search
 

I have searched for this information using several key words and have so far been unsuccessful in finding the answer. I have used "center console", "shift knob lights", "center console lights", "124 lighting", and a few others. I have only found information for earlier models. Thanks for the idea, I appreciate the response.

You might try "fiber optic" in your search. I think (not sure though) that the back light for the shifter on some models is fiber optic.

1. Remove plastic trimming around shifter
2. Remove small carpet in center console (yours might be a box)
3. There is a small philip screw in there that holds wood panel remove it
4. Remove wood panel
5. You'll see a small wire that attaches to left front shifter housing
6. Pull it out and replace bulb

Vinamg

Vinamg has it correct....

BTW, getting the replacement bulb back into the small plastic housing is a pain in the #$%#$^%. I couldn't do it and simply shoved the bulb back up into its chamber w/o the housing.

The bulb is very small and can be purchased at your local Walmart or auto parts store.

Good luck

~Paul

Thanks
 

Vinamg and Paul,
Thanks for your responses. I will let you know how it goes.

Scotty :)

Do these same instructions apply to a 1986 560 SEL bulb replacement in the console?

Light again!
 

Well, the replacement process was fairly easy.
1. On the E320, there are two philips head screws inside the small glove box in the center console. Once removed, that unit rotates aft and out of the console.
2. With the shift lever trim plate removed (can be done first as suggested by vinamg), the only trick was to figure out how to remove the wood panel, and not crack any of the finish, etc.
3. Luckily, the only thing now holding the panel in place turned out to be the electrical connector for the dual electric side view mirror control switch. Gentle but firm pressure is required to break that connection. The entire wood panel now comes out by rotating the back end up, thereby pulling the front "hooks" off of the rod they "grab". :confused: *note: There is also a small slotted flange that protrudes into the console from the rear of the wood panel, but no fastener was there in my case. Probably should be, but I could find no evidence of a hole where any screw had been before. This flange was exposed when the glove box was removed.
4. Light bulb and socket came out of the left-front corner of the shift unit. Bulb came out easily for me, and the replacement did not offer the same grief as Paul experienced.
Put everything back and backlight now works!
I will have to do this again since the small 1.2W bulb I had was not exactly the same as the one I took out. It was a bit longer and did not have the plastic base that the bad one had, but my wife wanted the light to work. Who am I to argue? ;)

Anyway, hope this helps anyone else who needs to change this bulb. I appreciate the assistance of all who gave it.
Thanks again,

Scotty :D

Shift console position light?
 

I was curious, I am a new owner of a 95 E300 Diesel, & finally replaced that little bulb to illuminate the shifter console.
But - there is no additional light displaying what gear I am in.....

Should there be a some type of light, that u can clearly see, displaying what gear your transmission is in - or is there just 1 light lighting up the whole trans console?

Ive done several searches, & it seems as though there is only suppose to be 1 bulb under the upper left front of the gear shifter - which I already replaced.

Mark

No, in the W124 there is NO additional light to tell you in what gear you are in. Although, W140s do have the additional light (which is very useful).

In the W124 mostly you are expected to "feel" where the shift lever is located at the shift gate and assume its position.