Automatic transmission backlight

[r.bartl]

Hello!

When driving back from the OHIO tech session, I had the chance to sit on the passenger's seat of a beautiful 280SL of antoher attendee.

Beside a clean and original intereur and a sound motor I saw 2 things, what I miss in my 230SL (1967):

-the transmission unit was backlighted and you could see, where the shifting was set. is this a later option or do I just have a bad lightbulb? How can I get light into this area in my car? Are there any instructions somewhere? Is it a tricky job for my mechanic or can I open the part?

-the radio also was lightened and this is also missing at my Becker radio. Can I replace just a bulb and is it difficult to get the radio out?

roman

BTW: it was a great experience to be at least half a day at the tech session, even beeing a "NEWBIE" with having my pagoda just 12 weeks now. I'm lovin it!


230SL, 1967
ivory with chocolate brown top

[Jonny B]

I cannot speak to the issue with the radio, but the backlight for the automatic transmission is a later option (I think in the 280SL somewhere - my early 250 does not have the light), this has been talked about before on the forum, and you should be able to find the specific reference using the search function. I do not recall if there was any discussion about how to retrofit.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[rwmastel]

Roman,
The 230SL did not have a light shift gate.  I don't see why you could not fit a 280SL lighted shift gate, you would just have to run the wiring.  See these shifter threads.

http://index.php?topic=1469,light
http://index.php?topic=758,light
http://index.php?topic=382,light

I don't have a Becker radio, but I believe they should all have a light so you can see the tuner at night.  Read all these Becker threads to educate yourself then call Ed Ebel and tell him you hear about him from the W113 Pagoda SL Group.

http://index.php?topic=647,light
http://index.php?topic=2853,light
http://index.php?topic=2174,light
http://index.php?topic=884,light
http://index.php?topic=3264,light
http://index.php?topic=479,light
http://index.php?topic=1188,light
http://index.php?topic=1048,light

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

Your Becker has a tiny bulb that is tedious to replace, but it is not too tough. You just need some tweezers and a little patience.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel
Roman, The 230SL did not have a light shift gate.  I don't see why you could not fit a 280SL lighted shift gate, you would just have to run the wiring. ....

I bought a used 280SL light with wiring but cannot figure out how it is kept in place inside the 230SL shifter housing (see pic). Does anyone have a picture showing this for a 280SL, or an idea how to do this?

Download Attachment: 230SL_autoShifter.jpg
64.87 KB

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[rwmastel]

Alfred,
I think the key from the previous post is:  "I don't see why you could not fit a 280SL lighted shift gate, you would just have to run the wiring."  You say that you don't have a 280SL shifter gate.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[66andBlue]

Rodd,
That is correct, I do not have the 280SL shifter box. So the challenge is, how to add the light to a 230SL box. What is difference between the two? If I have to buy a 280SL box for this then I'll probably continue to sit in the dark.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[ChrisInNashville]

Can anyone recommend a source for the shifter back light bulb?   Mine is burned out...is there something special or can it be sourced at any electical supply house?

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by christietz

Can anyone recommend a source for the shifter back light bulb?   Mine is burned out...is there something special or can it be sourced at any electical supply house?

Chris, it is a 12V 3W, 29 mm long (Osram #6428) bulb. Most car parts store should have them since they are still used in Hondas, VWs, BMW Ti, in dome lights or license plates.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[ChrisInNashville]

Perfect!   Thanks very much...that will be the easiest thing I ever fixed!