What's the work involved in converting a '72 280SEL from column shift to console shift? Can the parts come off a 280SE/L 4.5?

Thanks,
Sixto
87 300D

If other chassis are a guide (114/115, 123, 126) then the parts from a car of the same chassis type (108) will bolt in. The shift rod(s) may have to be changed in length if one car is 6 cyl., and the other 8 cyl.

I would say that if you can find a similar chassi with all the parts you need, it should not be a big problem. But can you find a console mounted shifter in those cars?

__________________
Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

Floor shift is common but a lot had the W116/115/114 unit retro fitted which looked more modern. The Chrome ones fetch big money. You need the push/pull rod, the actual shifter and if you are removing it from a junk car,get the peice of the tunnel it bolts onto . You will also need the console which is different to the column change cars.

Later models had the side shift rods, earlier models had top shift rods. Check yours for the version. (Based on the year it's probably a side shift)

__________________
Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

Warren, it would be an automatic wouldn't it? .If it is a manual, thats whole different trans tunnel. the manual box requires a bigger tunnel to fit the shift rods into place. Only the W111 and earlier have the top shift trans and those floor change levers are seriously expensive . Most are from 190SL's and are priced accordingly.

You may also want to consider how to deal with the selector window that will be left inoperable in the dash. A simple plug or plate of some sort could work but you may need to get creative for a more factory appearance. It would be cool to figure out a useful purpose for the space.
World's tiniest SatNav screen? Peep hole to check that engine is still there on long trips? Fig Newton holder?

__________________
1962 220SE W111 Coupe, 2nd owner

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../SideSmall.jpg

The Coupe Group (W111/112 coupes and cabs) official website
The Coupe Group on Facebook
MotoArigato: Roadworthy News & Humor

The factory appearance is just a piece of brown cardstock. Maybe it used to be white or beige, but mine was def brown. This eBay one shows a brown/black piece:
Mercedes-Benz : 200-Series 280SE 4.5 in Mercedes-Benz | eBay Motors

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

I want to do the same thing.

Went to the junk yard and scored a shifter out of a 1973 450SLC with the black cover. Then I pulled the console and there is a plate under the foam. It has 4 captive nuts that held the plate and I should be able to bolt the shifter assembly to. I haven't tested to make sure the bolts line up but they look like they should.... I ordered a rod of eBay that looks close but it was just a guess... I'll put together a detailed install when I get all the pieces...

__________________
2006 S65 ///AMG - 1 of 427 in North America
1986 560 SEL

In all my years of working on these mercedes i have never seen a panel like that. it must have been a USA W108 4.5 only feature. I have seen plenty of tunnels with the shape in the pressing but never with a removable panel like that. it would be so handy to get tunnels like that for doing V8 into W111 conversions.
Regarding the link rod for the shifter,there're several different ones and they are longer or shorter and some had odd bends in them. make sure that if it has a joint peice that is secure and not loose. The joint is to isolate trans noise from the car but has two pins and a rubber inside which eventually loosen up. This makes the shift,even on an automatic,feel mushy.