Good afternoon, I am a new member (September 2019) and got a 1970 280 Sl pagoda in dark green with tan leather interior. I have done some work on it and still have a long way to go. The other day, as I was on reverse, I couldn't get out of rear shifting because the plastic bushing from the shift gate to the rod going to the transmission broke and disappeared in the tunnel. Since I had the shifter out I decided that I would replace the plastic parts and reassemble the shifter. I am waiting for the kit and I was looking at your description and you mentioned that the inside spring needs to be installed properly for the shifter to work correctly. I have tried to look at the photos that you posted but due to the grease I cannot see how the spring is positioned inside the shift gate. I also don't know if the spring was in correct position in the car that I got a year ago. Thanks for your help.