Mine does the same thing. The PO at some point repainted the needles and I have always assumed that is what causes the needle to stick to the stop.
Mine doesn't seem to stick quite as much in the winter when the weather is cold and dry.

__________________
Joe

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1980 300SD - 495k miles - 'The Ambassador'
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Former Family Members
95 C280
73 280SEL
90 300D
87 300SDL (X2)
86 560SEL
84 300D
80 300SD