Shift lever bushing access panel

[BHap]

How far forward is the front access panel for the shift lever bushing access?  I have a 1970 280SL  with the underdash air and am hoping to find it soon - space is getting tight...  is it on top of the transmission tunnel or on the driver's side?  I'd like to pull as little carpet and insulation as possible... thanks for your help..

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

[George Davis]

Bob, it's on the passenger side, seems to me about midway between the shifter and the bulkhead.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Naj ✝︎]

Bob,
I had to remove the one on top of the tunnel. Beleive it is further forward than the side xs panel.
While you're there check the stem of the horizontal shaft. Mine was cracked where it was probably clamped for swaging the front end for the rubber bushing. Also ensure tightness of the yoke bolt. Mine came off at that joint at traffic lights and the car had to be 'lifted' home.


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I would change all the bushes,wavy washer and circlip on the gear lever as well and rotate the mounting plate 180 degrees if the lever has been hitting the plate when engaging reverse and first gears. That what I did, anyway.


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naj

[Douglas]

When I did the job with Achim a couple of years ago, we removed the left, right and center carpet pieces as one unit. They had not been out before, so perhaps it was easier than it would be for a car that has newer pieces that were glued in more recently.

I've got pix of the job online. Drop me an e-mail and I'll send you a link.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[J. Huber]

Naj, are you talking about an automatic or manual?

**Thanks Naj.

James
63 230SL

[Naj ✝︎]

James,

 

quote:Naj, are you talking about an automatic or manual?

manual

Hey, the site's on fire today, isn't it??[:p]
J'Ohio effect???
naj

[BHap]

ok - found it - on top of tunnel - 4 8mm bolts...  my carpet has not been out and the insulation and carpet are both glued down....  the side access panel is 6 screws and too far forward to provide access to the shift linkage - thanks for all the help....

Bob

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

[BHap]

now i know how it feels to shift with absolutely no front shift shaft bushings - I can't wait for new parts to get here....  mine disintegrated - only a thin wafer left on one side....  all at only 53,000 miles.... time is as hard as miles...

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

[BHap]

oh - and can anyone explain why all of the bushings are about $6 or $7.00 each and the two front support rod bushings are $27.00 each?

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

[Douglas]

The whole thing shouldn't cost more than $35. Who's quoting you those prices?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[BHap]

Mercedes dealer.....  list is $32 each, $27 is what I can buy them for...  part number: 111 992 05 10  my local foreign parts store can't match the $27....

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed