I have a 1986 E300, the shift knob has many small, yet highly noticeable cracks in it. I would like to replace the knob. I have seen many nice replacement knobs that I would be interested in purchasing. Could somebody please explain how to remove the old knob? Thank You very much.

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1986 Black 300E

from my understanding the knob is attached to the shaft.

You have to loosen the shift gate to get it out of the way, not sure about how, then you should be able to undo the screw inside. now would also be a good time to clean all the stuff thats fallen in there over the years.

Screw in the new one and you should be good to go.

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust
http://home.earthlink.net/~asherson/my92300ce.jpg
Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

Thank You. By "shift gate" do you mean the track that the shaft follows? With the "P-N-R-D-2-3"

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1986 Black 300E

yeah, like I said I'm not sure ont he removal, but I believe if you remove the plastic surround ring (Might be rubber on some cars, it should pop right up.

I would check with a pro, just relaying what I can remember about it.

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust
http://home.earthlink.net/~asherson/my92300ce.jpg
Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

This is what I wrote to a guy with the same problem:
"You cant just twist it off !!! There is a counter nut that you have to loosen up first. Take the console cover off (undo the screw that is hidden under the litle piece of carpet in the centre and pop the cover off). Than take the plastic shifter asembly apart. Its a snup on, no unscrewing rquired, but be careful not to brake any snups. You'll see the nut on the end of the shifters shuft (you can see it all the way at the botom of the iverted ruber boot).Unscrew this nut just a litle bit and than unscrew the shifter. Reverce the precedure with the new shifter. And while you at it, clean out all the crup from the assembly, it will look like new (use Lexol's Vinilex)."
I belive that you are preaty much stuck with MB aftermarket shift nobs. I don't think you will be able to instal a MOMO or any other racing stuff. The only way to do it is to cut of the original shift nob of its shuft and use it with watever you like.


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Dmitry
90' 300CE
17" Lorinsers RS90
Brulen mufler
Clear Blinkers
White gouges(made my own)

I would like to replace my shift knob as well. I have seen very nice Burwood, and zebrano wood shift knbs for MBZ. They are expensive but they really add a nice touch to the interior of a Benz. I am also thinking about relacing all the wood in the car and adding other accents.

I too plan on replacing my shift knob, but I am thinking of having my machine shop make me a new shaft so I can fit on one of those new style MBZ Shifters.

It'd probably cost as much as buying a whole new burlwood knob, but to me, the newer style knobs look great.

:)

Alon