play in gear shift lever
 

my 85 190E 2.3 has suddenly developed play in the gear lever - when I move it to D, it only moves to N, so I have to move it further to move it to D. The play is increasing every day.

What could it be - and how much am I looking at (i.e., is it a big tranny job, or just some bushings that are easy to replace?).


thanks a ton.

This may help: http://www.pindelski.com/cars/W126/Shift_linkage/Shift_linkage.html

So I guess you are implying its the shift linkages, and that its an easy job. Is that correct?

Usually worn/cracked bushings on the shift linkage will cause the problem you describe. Thomas Pendelski makes it look easy on his web site. Some people even replace the bushings without removing the linkage from the car, but pressing them on with a socket and vice-grips as a "press" takes a little finagling.

Use the search feature for someone who just did theirs on a 190E. I beleive that did one at the shift >inside< the cabin under the console.

Haasman

Cracked shifter bushings.

Had mine done by an indie workshop.

$10 and 20 minutes was all it took.

However, they did it from the bottom of my car instead of the console.Of course, they had a lift.

Cheers.

This could also be caused by totally rotted motor mounts