xr4tic

The transmition seams to be fine but recentley the shifter has started to be loose when in gear. I first realized it when I heard a rattle and upon investigation found the shifter loose. What could this be??? Is it easy to fix???

MTI

Your shifter "communicates" with the transmission via metal linkage rods. Wear and tear can cause the linkage to feel loose or "wobbly."

xr4tic

What would it take to replace or repair that linkage?? TKS

MTI

The shifter is adjusted from under the car. There is a ball joint that connects the shifter to the selector rod. The rod is fairly long and connects to a selector arm attached to arm and the starter inhibition switch. The pieces are held on with spring clips and lock nuts. With the car in neutral and the car safely up on jackstands, check the selector rod for movement and try to ascertain which parts are loose and/or worn.

marco402

with a 13 year old car, the nylon linkage bushing is worn out, they might set you back $5/pair. one at each end of the link rod, search the W124 forum for shift link bushings, replacement is easy, just follow instructions and it take under an hour....
of course, while your under the car, move the linkage by hand and you can tell if its just the bushing, or if there is something else.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/W124ShiftBushings