Update early W126 shifter to late shifter?
 

Hey guys,

I saw that thread regarding removal of the console and the differences in removal techniques for the newer one, and was wonder what is involved in converting an early console shifter to a late one?

I am contemplating installing the euro shiftgate with the E/S switch (I'm converting to first gear start and want it as OEM looking as possible without mislabeled switches), and much prefer the look of the newer console wood with the plastic overlay to the older rubber insert around the shift gate.

What is required to convert to the newer wood? Mine is getting older by the day and I just re stapled it and glued the whole thing back together due to a raised rear section. Is the newer design able to be put on without conversion of the shiftgate?

Whats the function of the brake interlock? Considering what just happened to my car rolling due to knocking it out of park, if its able to be converted to the shift lock, I wanna do that too.

I HOPE this makes some sort of sense.


-Carlen

Someone just posted a thread about retrofitting this to their W124. It didn't seem that bad, but did require a donor car at the junkyard.

The brake interlock won't let you shift out of Park unless the key is on and your foot is on the brake.

-J

Looked up that thread; cables and the likes for our car seems like fun, but ripping out the entirety of the interior to do so, or snaking it through the crevices (as much as my screen name implies), I think I'll pass on the interlock for now. At least, until I rip out the dash for the vac pods when they all fail.

What about just updating the shifter surround and the euro shiftgate? are these drop in mods?

I assume the wood has the same slide in design.

Thanks,

Carlen

The wood is different between the early and late shifter. You can probably just install the late shift box and wood trim. You might have to fake out the interlock... perhaps you could leave it off all-together.

-J