R170 - How to remove the gearshift module?
 

I have a 2001 SLK230 Automatic with 39kmiles. Now, the questions is: How do I remove the floor shift module from the car?

A couple of days ago, the gearshift lever started suddenly feeling "loose" on N and R. Changing from N to R and R to N became very light too. On P and D the stick feels right. And everything works. But on there is a (in my opinion bad) clatter sound on D between 2000 rpm and 2500 rpm. Like coins inside the gearshift. (I can guarantee there are no coins there! :) )

Because the gearshift lever feels "loose", I assume the problem is not in the transmission or in the rods connecting the gearshift lever to the transmission. I guess the problem is in the floor shift module. In other words, in the plastic box with the stick. I tested a brand new floor shift module which was never installed in a car, and the stick did not have the free move.

The floor shift module seems to be attached with 3 screws/ bolts in the floor. I removed the center console housing with tray to get access to the screws in the rear. After having removed the "rear part" of the center console, I noticed that the next problem is with the "front part". The housing between instrument panel and tunnel panelling has a lip, which seems to surround the floor shift box. And the box is under this element.

Has the R170 really this difficut structure, or is there a way to get the floor shift mechanism out without first disassembling the entire interior?