Rattling gear shift knob- Make it stop!
 

I've got the original black gear shift knob that rattles whenever I drive. I usually just put my hand on it to quieten it. I can't seem to find a set screw or any way to tighten it down. I would try turning it to unscrew it, but I don't want to break something. Besides, I wouldn't mind replacing it with a nicer one. Any how to on silencing the rattler?

Should either be the retaining nut on the shaft of the shifter down below the shift gate cover or slop in the shifter bushings. It ain't rocket science......;)
We can't "Showyou" everything.....:P

My bet is on shifter bushings. I'll take a guess and say that there is nothing left of the bushing at the bottom of the shifter (under the vehicle) where the shift rod attaches. The bushing at the transmission, at the forward end of the rod, is also toast.

Brian is correct, I'll bet, Buy new bushings for the trans and the shifter, less that $10, take a few minutes to read the posts and an hour or so.
ron

I made a better bushing out of copper.Why Benz used plastic.

Wow, it sure sounds like the knob is just loose. Doesn't sound like anything below that point, and it stops as soon as I lay my hand on the knob. Not like I have to push down or put any weight that would transfer to the bottom of the shifter.?? BUT! If you guys say so, then it is so. I've been trying to figure out how to get that knob off for a year! I was about to get a nut cracker out and destroy it! ps comment noted, JimmyL:thumbsup: If I wasn't from Missouri, I'd sign is from now on as...Tellme:D

The responders that mentioned the plastic bushing under the car are probably correct. I had the same problem, with that solution.
After you have secured the car once jacked up, put the shifter in the lowest slot, this will put that bushing in the best position to install. I had to trim the one I bought, as I don't have that neat tool to pop it on with.

That's very consistent with broken shift linkage bushings.

I will give 20:1 odds that at least one linkage bushing is history.

Hmm, I must have the same problem on the 240D. Does it harm anything to continue driving as is until the weather warms up?

If the shift rod falls completely out of the bushing, you're not going to be a very happy camper.

Depends on whether you are waiting for Spring or just waiting for the next warm front to blow through. With the bushing gone, you could have some permanent damage due to metal-on-metal contact. Plus, there have been reports of cars rolling off because "Park" did not actually engage.

For the sake of courtesy, just wanted to make sure you knew that I only made the "Showyou" comment to play off your forum ID of "Showme". ;)
:)

I've got a manual...that probably doesn't make things any better does it...:o

I was hoping to wait until spring, but I'll have to crawl under there and see what it looks like. Guess I'll be hoping for a warm front.

I'll show you why it's 'show me'
 

JimmyL, I am not offended. I'm actually proud of the moniker. (It fits especially well when on a forum)

A Missouri US Congressman coined the phrase in the 1890's, questioning a previous speakers' comments. William Duncan Vandiver is quoted as saying


"I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."

And that is what it's all about.

Been There!!!!