I just installed a Kenwood KDCX969 deck into my 83 240D (after a wiring nightmare) and to my dismay, the extended pop-out controls barely graze the shift knob when in park. Extends like this for reference:


So the only fix for this is replacing the shift knob with something more low profile that doesn't have the bulge out (in the direction of the engine)

Anyone know of a replacement that doesn't stick out as much?
I know on W123s the knob is integral to the whole rod so I guess I have to replace the whole thing; same question applies though

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-Dan
1983 240D AT, 163K running on VO, "The Patience Tester"

Put the car in Neutral and use the parking brake...

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JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

That can't be good on the transmission, can it?

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-Dan
1983 240D AT, 163K running on VO, "The Patience Tester"

Should be better for it actually. Too many people use park as a parking brake.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Well I always use the parking brake and understand the damage of letting the car roll in park

I just didn't think it was good to start the car in anything besides park




Does anyone have any alternative shifter options just so its out there as something else to try?

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-Dan
1983 240D AT, 163K running on VO, "The Patience Tester"

You don't need a different shift knob, you need a different radio.....

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

How about bending the rod so it tilts back a bit?

Park is the same function as neutral, the only difference is it engages the parking pawl in the tailhousing.

I don't think you understand how awesome this radio is



Bending the rod is an interesting idea. Seems like a good deal of force would be necessary to bend it into shape. Any suggestions on how to go about this? I think Ill test it on a junkyard find

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-Dan
1983 240D AT, 163K running on VO, "The Patience Tester"

Put the shifter rod in a vice and pull on it or use a small pipe over the other end and pull.

Clamp in vice and buy your most muscle bound friend a beer.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine