1997 Mercedes C200.

I've just bought a wooden gear knob, to replace the black plastic one. I can't seem to remove the original one though. I've tried unscrewing it and it doesn't seem to do anything, just spin (tightly) round and round.

Whats the trick?

Can't speak directly to your model, but there were W124 and W201 chassis cars whose shift knobs were molded onto the shaft and the whole assembly is held on by a locking nut at the base of the shaft, under the center console.

W202 right? Hold the knob and turn the collar at the base of the knob if there is one. Anticlockwise I believe. The collar is a lock.

Cheers!Just done it... was the COLLAR that held the knob in place!

Many thanks