Plastic Gearshift surround for 280sl auto.

[Intex]

Where is a good source for the plastic ring that surrounds the inside of the automatic gearshift assy? I would like to get a white one instead of a yellowish one?

[SteveK]

Intex, if your normal source for parts can't get one, call the Classic Center.  They do well getting anything that is still available and will even give you a good discount off the list price. 

[Dave Gallon]

Mercedes-Benz (either via a dealer or the Classic Center) has never supplied the automatic transmission gearshift guide. There are several aftermarket sources for them. The reproduction from Walter Odemer in Burbank without the light clip (unlighted shift gate) seems to fit fairly well. However, the Odemer reproduction of the insert with the light clip tends to fit poorly. I have had better luck with the lighted shift gate insert from SLS in Germany.

[Intex]

Should the drive letters on the shiftgate cover be painted in black, or are they just indented into the chrome?

[66andBlue]

The lettering is never painted. Let me correct that.
In the 230SL consoles the letters/numbers are on the left, are indented and anodized dark gray. The neutral position is indicated by a "0" (zero).
In the 280SL consoles they are on the right and are cut open to let the light come through. Here the neutral position is an "N".