Hi All, I tried removing the gear shift knob on my CLK(automatic) this weekend without success. It has a conical (plastic?) nut just under the shift knob, I assumed this thing unscrewed to loosen the knob. Well, it would not turn easily and I was afraid to torque it or grab it with pliers and damage it. Can somebody give me any tips on removing my gear shift knob? Thx, Ed

__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Bertrand Russell

Remove the shift knob by twisting the "conical" piece counter-clockwise (as you're looking down at it ). It will turn about a quarter turn. Then, pull the shift knob straight up. Sometimes it's really easy, sometimes it's not, but it's no big deal.

Get some of that anti-slip material they sell at RV stores, it's used in cupboards and similar. Some anti-slip material used under rugs is the same. With a piece cut approx 1/2" x 2", wrap the material around that conical nut and twist. The material grabs the plastic nut and will help.
Ray

Thanks fellas,

But let me make sure about this, I turn the conical piece as if tightening against the shift knob(counter-clockwise from above).

Right now it doesn't seem to really turn at all so I want to be sure before I apply any serious force!

Sura, I know what you mean, I'll use some of that to grip it. Did you use your hands or pliers on it?


Rgds, Ed

__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Bertrand Russell

No, no, hands only.
Ray

Okay fellas,

I'm happy to report success! This weekend I got some grip cloth and twisted in the recommended direction and viola!

Let this thread serve as the technique for W208 shift knob removal.

Thanks again, Ed

__________________
Ed "Don't Benz's just feel better..."

Current wives...
2000 ML430 Skyview "The Mel"
2000 CLK430 Cab "The Cab"
85 300D Turbo "The Diesel"

Past wives...
92 300E
85 190E

"One should as a rule respect public opinion in so far as is necessary to
avoid starvation and to keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond
this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny, and is likely to
interfere with happiness in all kinds of ways."
Bertrand Russell