Center Console Trim Question

[Ten13]

Hi everyone,

Months ago, I purchased a complete set of gorgeous Zebrano trim for my '78 280ce.

I'm working on replacing the tired burl panels in my car, and have discovered that the center console piece (shifter / window / hazard switch) differs from what was original to my car. See photo - on the left is what I'm looking to replace, on the right is the replacement panel.

The switches are narrower (I have the older chrome-bezeled switches), which I can easily modify to work, but the bigger issues is that the shifter opening is offset to the right on the new piece.

My question: did MBZ actually move the shifter mechanism from early/late years, or is this a matter of getting a different gate and shift knob to handle the offset?

If the latter, I will be able to modify the new panel to work with my switches.

It was short-sighted of me to order this in the first place, as I didn't realize how different these items were -- blinded the beauty of the zebrano pieces.

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[ScooterABC]

It certainly _looks_ like it actually moved to the right....

[JMela]

One solution might be to have a furniture restorer could refinish or relaminate your existing piece.

[ScooterABC]

Originally Posted by JMela

One solution might be to have a furniture restorer could refinish or relaminate your existing piece.

That's not going to work well given that he has purchased an entire set of matching wood. Also most furniture restorers aren't going to have the vacuum device needed to properly do this. Madera Concepts can do it but at this point that's not a solution.

[Ten13]

Hey there -

I'm not actually looking to restore the old one, but change my '78 280ce to Zebrano... I like the looks much better than burl.

The question is:

Did Mercedes change the shift selector mechanism at some point (or the linkage under the tunnel) or make a different plastic gate cover that compensates for the offset in the wood trim? I'm trying to ascertain if there is a mechanical difference between cars with a dead-center shift gate, and those with an offset shift gate.

Thanks everyone! I know this is a strange one!
-greg

[ScooterABC]

OK, here's what I was able to find out on EPC.

If you look at item 5 in the PDF, it calls that a "bearing" but it looks like the thing that a gear lever might go into. On your car the part number is A115 267 3505 and on a later 300CD it is A123 267 0305. Furthermore this part changes based on US or non-US car.

So my best guess is YES SOMETHING IS REALLY DIFFERENT.

You would have to poke around a lot in EPC to figure out if it is something you can easily change.

[Ten13]

Originally Posted by ScooterABC

OK, here's what I was able to find out on EPC.

If you look at item 5 in the PDF, it calls that a "bearing" but it looks like the thing that a gear lever might go into. On your car the part number is A115 267 3505 and on a later 300CD it is A123 267 0305. Furthermore this part changes based on US or non-US car.

So my best guess is YES SOMETHING IS REALLY DIFFERENT.

You would have to poke around a lot in EPC to figure out if it is something you can easily change.

Thanks for this, ScooterABC... I'm thinking it's probably cheaper / better to just have the original burl panel restored with zebrano veneer... Although I do like the offset as it seems to afford better access to the radio!

[ScooterABC]

Originally Posted by Ten13

Thanks for this, ScooterABC... I'm thinking it's probably cheaper / better to just have the original burl panel restored with zebrano veneer... Although I do like the offset as it seems to afford better access to the radio!

That would probably be the easiest thing to do. FWIW, that's the piece of wood on the car that always craps out. Someone who doesn't want the full set would probably buy your Zebrano center console from you and you could have your burlwood one refinished as Zebrano. Madera concepts will have no problem creating a perfect piece - they did mine on my 300TD maybe 8 years ago. I wish I could remember what it cost but I can't.

[Ten13]

Originally Posted by ScooterABC

That would probably be the easiest thing to do. FWIW, that's the piece of wood on the car that always craps out. Someone who doesn't want the full set would probably buy your Zebrano center console from you and you could have your burlwood one refinished as Zebrano. Madera concepts will have no problem creating a perfect piece - they did mine on my 300TD maybe 8 years ago. I wish I could remember what it cost but I can't.

Update: I managed to track down the eBay seller's website, restoredinusa.com, and he still has the Zebrano veneer used to refinish the ones I bought. For 50.00 plus shipping, he'll re-do my old panel and it will be a darn-close match. I'm sending the new panel along for him to match the pattern and color as closely as possible.

And, as you suggest ScooterABC, I'll offer the non-fitting one up for sale along with the other bits I pulled out of my car.

I'm still curious as to why MBZ changed the shifter lever mechanism to the right a little bit for later model cars.

[ScooterABC]

Originally Posted by Ten13

Update: I managed to track down the eBay seller's website, restoredinusa.com, and he still has the Zebrano veneer used to refinish the ones I bought. For 50.00 plus shipping, he'll re-do my old panel and it will be a darn-close match. .

That's an insanely good price.

[280EZRider]

From my experience, the difference of shifter hole location on the cover is the difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

Some of us have actually refinished these covers ourselves, but you need lots of patience and care taken while doing it. The wood is extremely thin.

[ScooterABC]

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

From my experience, the difference of shifter hole location on the cover is the difference between manual and automatic transmissions.

... but that's not what I'm seeing in the pictures (post #2) or in EPC...

[280EZRider]

Originally Posted by ScooterABC

... but that's not what I'm seeing in the pictures (post #2) or in EPC...

I have seen this difference when comparing manual to automatic, but the images here clearly show both automatic, so it must be a difference then in years.