Shifter buzzing/rattling 1700 to 2000 rpm - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

EDBSO · #1 10-04-2011, 07:57 PM

That pretty much summarizes it. 1999 E300. I have a loud very distracting buzzing/rattling coming from my shifter in the 1700 to 2000 range.

I can remove the shift knob and the surrounding wood trim and can feel the buzzing rattling with my fingers while I drive.

It is as though there is something loose in there moving rattling/buzzing around.

Fresh Lemfoerder motor mounts and transmission mount and the engine is smooth. There is just this one resonate frequency between 1700 and 2000 rpm that makes the noise.

It is not obvious how to get into the shifter mechanism. I believe that it is a fairly expensive part and I don't want to screw it up BUT it is driving me to distraction. I do tend to be sensitive to unusual noises etc. The diesel is otherwise music to my ears.

Any photos or exploded views of the inside of this mystery shifter box and directions on how to get in there and silence it.

Anyone else experiencing a similar noise? I have been tempted to spray foam it but that would likely cause other problems.

shertex · #2 10-04-2011, 08:10 PM

Probably need to replace shifter bushings.

EDBSO · #3 10-04-2011, 08:57 PM

Thanks but 1999 E300 is an automatic and all shifting is done electrically, no bushings or are there?

shertex · #4 10-04-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EDBSO

Thanks but 1999 E300 is an automatic and all shifting is done electrically, no bushings or are there?

I would have assumed that any shifter would have bushings....but perhaps not.

mike-81-240d · #5 10-04-2011, 10:42 PM

I just had this problem start yesterday. I also suspected the shift bushings. The gear selector now has a bunch of slop in it too. Before it was super tight... Time to buy bushings.

EDBSO · #6 10-04-2011, 11:02 PM

Upon more research, this is the part that buzzes

How do I get it out and can it be opened up to see what is inside?

KarTek · #7 10-05-2011, 05:30 AM

I'd be willing to bet it's the little bushing on the linkage that goes to the transmission. I had the same problem with mine - a rattling/buzzing sound at certain RPM's. I rolled under the car and sure enough, the bushing was totally missing.

I installed it with a screwdriver and a pair of long nosed pliers.

P/N 202 992 00 10

If you can move the shifter lever fore/aft about 1/4" inch while it's in the "D" position, the bushing's gone.

I think the proximity to the exhaust causes it to harden up and break apart. It's only a buck, I bought a couple for spares.

winmutt · #8 10-05-2011, 10:47 AM

Sure looks like a shifter arm at the bottom there that would get a bushing.

I vote for loose change.

EDBSO · #9 10-05-2011, 02:15 PM

Thank you everyone. I stand humbled and corrected. I would have gladly bet a beer that there were no shifting linkages or bushings on the w210 and that all gear selection was done electronically, but I was completely wrong!

KarTek, thanks for the part number, the local dealer actually stocked the part @ $2.64 all taxes in. The old one was completely gone, not a trace left!!

Thought that I could get better access underneath and started to remove the heat shield, sheared off the first nut and bolt, rounded off the second so I worked around it. Hand soap didn't lubricate enough so I used anti-sieze and after 10 minutes got it to pop in using side cuter electrical pliers. What can I say it fit and worked. Most of that 10 minutes was spent finding the bushing on the driveway after it dropped several times. Reassembled it all. Gorilla glued the heat shield. Any ideas on a more permanent fix for the shield?

Will test drive in a couple of hours after the Gorilla glue sets.

Thanks again, members here are amazing!!!

KarTek · #10 10-05-2011, 09:04 PM

I'm good for something every once in a while...