1990 300E shift pattern: slightly off
 

This has been nagging at me for some time.
I've noticed that my shift pattern doesn't exactly match the notch pattern on the shift gate. The gears seem to engage slightly before their assigned notch. The most noticeable is 2nd gear with engages at the end of the channel just below where 3rd gear is supposed to be. When the shifter is moved to the notch for 2nd gear, nothing happens.

Why is this? Should I fix this? How do I fix this?

Thanks.

There are some plastic bushings that connect the shifter to a rod which in turn is connected to the transmission and these have likely deteriorated due to age and heat. They are a few dollars each and aren't terribly difficult to replace.

Gator is correct, although the actual process of putting the bushings in their holes can be a PITA, enough so that after I did it once on one of my 124's I spent the money for the special pliers-like tool to press the bushings into place. Don't know about a gasser, but access is tight on the trans end of a 124 diesel. If by chance your bushings are still there, there is an adjustment on the shift arm end of the equation - undo a lock nut and you can then adjust the effective length of the shift rod by rotating the mail end of the fitting which goes into the bushing.

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, 448K

I'll try again :)
 

Yes, I did both already. I replaced the shifter bushing (the existing one was in good shape but was not even inserted into place. I guess the previous owner just gave up trying to fit it in without the special tool and just wedged it between the rod and the eyelet). I read enough about how much of the PITA it was to replace the bushing without the special pliers so I bought it. I'll do the bushing in my R129 as well. I've already extended the rod by 1/4 inch. I guess I'll extend it a little bit more and see what happens.

Thanks.