Sounds like worn shift linkage bushings. For some reason, Fastlane didn't list them for the '83 300D. However, here is what they look like on the '84 300SD: http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1984-Mercedes--Benz-300sd-Transmission&yearid=1984%40%401984&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6208%3AED%7C10000134%3AMBC%7C1510%40%40300SD&catid=241185%40%40Transmission&subcatid=241303@@AT+Shift+Linkage+Bushing&mode=PD You may need to call Phil and see if they are the same.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )