This is why you should replace shifter bushings

[mbazinet]

Today I changed my shifter bushings with a full replacement kit from Mercedes Benz   
The white crescent shaped piece  in the picture should actually be 1/2 of a 2 piece "circular" bushing for the shift rod.    As you can see, not much of it was left after 50 years ! The balance of the bushings disintegrated as i removed them.   Much better now  especially with the help of this forum.

Many thanks to all who make this possible.   

[dldubois]

Mine also finally wore out and fortunately it happened when I pulled in the driveway.   Replacing these bushings sure does make the shifting feel like new again.

[mbazinet]

My shifter dropped through the floor !  I yanked it back up to get it home it was very unexpected !

[StevenF]

what was the cost of the kit?-do you have the part #?

[hauser]

My shifter dropped through the floor !  I yanked it back up to get it home it was very unexpected !

Same here!  Luckily I was less than a mile from home.

[mclewis]

Mine gave out as I parked at a busy gas (petrol) station, blocking the pump for quite a while.

[hauser]

How often should they be replaced?

[waqas]

Our technical manual has a great section on the various shifter parts, including the bushings:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Shifter

The bushings prone to wear are #192, #258, #290 in the figure and table. Note the quantities required. Also good time to ensure all washers are present in the right places.

[Tyler S]

Whats even worse is if it happens while you are moving and the front bushings at the transmission are also perished. The shifter lands on the spinning drive shaft and scares the Cr*# out of you.

[mbazinet]

Let me go back and i'll get us the Kit part # stay tuned

[mbazinet]

Here is the link for the kit   it uses OEM MB Parts and will do the complete assembly i got this from Authentic classics :

 http://www.authenticclassics.com/Late-Shift-Linkage-Repair-Kit-230SL-250SL-280SL-p/auth-005178.htm

[waqas]

As an alternative, one could individually purchase the same parts as the kit for less than $130 total from any authorized MB dealer (such as http://www.mboemparts.com).

If one only requires the essential parts shown in the first photo in this thread, it becomes even cheaper (assuming other parts are still in good shape):

Part Nr.	Description	Qty.	List (each)	Total
111-267-00-83	Bush, Gearbox to yoke	2	$9.75	$19.50
198-268-01-50	Bush, Shift lever to yoke	4	$7.50	$30.00
111-267-00-86	Bush for spherical ball	2	$12.00	$24.00
				$73.50

The lower boot (111-268-06-97, list $11) is another might-as-well item.

[Garry]

Thanks Waqas,

Handy to know and order and put in the bottom draw.

Garry

[Matt113]

My shifter dropped through the floor !  I yanked it back up to get it home it was very unexpected !

Mine too, took it apart and put it back in, had 1,375km to get back home. I made it! Have ordered a new replacement kit from SLS Hamburg. Now I just have to find a MB classic mechanic in Prague in August.....