Trouble with Gear shift for 65 220S

[AaronW]

Please if anyone has any idea what has happened and what I can do to fix it I would greatly appreciate it. I have a 1965 220S Sedan and today I went to park and the shifter on the column wasn't "catching" so I couldn't put the car in park reverse or neutral it just stayed in drive forcing me to use the e brake. I suspect that something in the column came loose but I'm not overly knowledgeable about the mechanical workings of that. Again, any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[ScooterABC]

On my 67 250S automatic there is a bushing on the transmission made of nylon. It craps out. The result is the linkage falls off the transmission in whatever position it happens to be in. The result is that selecting something on the selector WILL engage the Neutral/Park safety switch so that you CAN start the car even though it is in D or whatever position the transmission is in. If you get under the car you can move it manually on the transmission. Sounds sort of similar to what you describe... If this is the case you need a new $2 bushing...

[AaronW]

Awesome I will look into that and see if that doesn't fix the issue I appreciate the reply

[Mark DiSilvestro]

On the column-shift there is a soft bushing inside the chrome nut where the shift lever goes in the side of the column. Also, after removing the steering wheel and horn switch there are two small soft pivot bushings on the upper shift-shaft. One of those requires removing the upper steering column bearing plate to replace it. There are also soft nylon or rubber bushings in the underhood-linkage and at the transmission itself. You should check all of these and replace as needed.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[JeffreyNMemphis]

Hi Aaron,

Welcome to Peach Parts!

Please tell us more about you and your car. Introduction is a tradition here. You can start a new thread if you prefer. I would love to see your car! We love pictures!! How long have you had the car? Was it a family car handed down or bought from an Ancient Mercedes guy? How mechanically inclined are you? Does your car have a name yet?

Mark gave you great information above. The shift linkages have bushings that fail after fifty years. The links don't work without those bushing.

I have the same model 1962 Mercedes 220Sb. The people who participate on this forum have been very kind to me and generous with their knowledge and wisdom. You are in the right place... If you need photos of where to find the shift linkage bushings let me know. My car is in the driveway and accessible to take some pics.

Best regards,

Jeffrey