Replacing shift lever 124

[schumi]

I have couple questions about replacing the shift lever (auto. trans.) in a 124 (my 1987 300E). (1) how do you remove old lever? I know it's threaded at the bottom and screwed in, but it does not seem to want to come out. Is there something holding it in? I don't want to force it. (2) does anyone know definitively if all 124 auto. trans. shift levers are the same? Thanks

[hanno]

Schumi, the whole assembly comes out with removal of the wood sorround (2 screws), 4 bolts from the top, and removal of the clip that holds the shift rod on from the bottom. It needs to be gently twisted past the wires and cables as it is raised out. Then you can easily work on the lever itself. Unsure if the lever is replacable. If you need another one, I have an automatic shifter assy. from a 1987 300E for $25 plus UPS. It is in excellent working condition, with black knob (I removed it to install a manual transmission).

[schumi]

Thanks, Hanno. One question, is the clip you refer to accessible from the inside of the car, or do you have to get under car to get to it? Also, I have a leather-topped shift lever that I'm going to use to replace the plastic one that came with the car. I'd really like a 5 speed like you...if you ever have inclination to do another one, we can talk!

[hanno]

The clip is at the bottom of the shift lever, under the car. Don't think you can get to it from the inside (too much twisting and moving to get the assy. out). Good luck!

[Phalcon51]

Schumi,

If all you want to do is to replace the "stick", the upper part of the lever that comes up through the rubber boot, you don't need to take out the whole shift lever assembly. Remove the wood (for reference, see the pictures about halfway down this page just after the text titled "Step 3 - Head Unit Removal":

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124Stereo)

After removing the wood panel you'll see 4 screws holding on the rubber shift boot and frame. Remove the screws and lift up the frame.

At the bottom of the stick you'll find a lock nut. Use a 14mm open end wrench to loosen it and simply unscrew the shiftstick. There's a spring that will try to keep the whole thing pushed to the left, but it's not very strong and you can hold it wherever you need to with a couple of fingers.

Hope this helps,

Gary

[schumi]

Thanks, guys. Will swap the shift levers today (got a leather one to replace the plastic one).