How to remove gear lever/ knob?

[lessteaks]

Hi all, want to change the gear knob/ lever on a 95 w124 (E220 CE) Merc auto. Thought it was just a matter of unscrewing old one but it wont budge. Any tips on how to remove it without doing any damage! Appreciate the help as always.

Cheers, Les

 

[andy_k]

you need to remove the surround from the gear lever which includes the wooden trim to get at it

it goes something like this

1, remove the screw which holds down the wooden trim (it's under the carpet in your centre console)

2, remove the surround trim from the gear shift mechanism

3, lift the trim from the rear, it may seem as though it's stuck but that's actually one of the switches which comes away with the trim then remove the trim - it is held by a couple of hooks under the ashtray as well so be careful. Firm even pressure is the best way to lift it, if you pull too sharply you can snap the wood.

4, once the trim is off you need to split the plastic casing which surrounds the shifter, there are a couple of big plastic clips at either side, pull them outwards and gently lift the top of the shift housing away - be careful not to lose any bits - particularly the little plastic bit behind the E/S switch

5, You should now be able to push the rubber gaiter to one side - once that is done, you'll see the locknut which holds in the bottom of the shift lever, release that and the whole gear lever will then unscrew.

it sounds more complicated than it is and whilst you've got it in pieces it's worth giving it a clean and changing the bulb which illuminates the gear numbers.

HTH

Andy