Where to buy the Chrome Shifter Bezel for an Automatic?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
2002 C320 Wagon 200k miles
Any notes or tips from your paper clip job ?
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
2002 C320 Wagon 200k miles
Paper clip expert
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Hertfordshire 20 miles North of centre of London
C200K Estate Auto 2001 & MGB Roadster 1967
Brilliant so simple, found superglue holds paperclip in place better, also all existing clips had moved inwards, slight touch on the plastic with a soldering iron enables moving clips back to correct place, many thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Hertfordshire 20 miles North of centre of London
C200K Estate Auto 2001 & MGB Roadster 1967
Yes prise up but I think this is why the hooky bits break, suggest you remove the wood/ali surround then with access to the underside carefully push hook clips. The surround is removed by lifting the front edge, with ashtray open, the 2 clips are pretty strong so requires a good pull, it then slides forward to disengage from armrest, Gear lever needs to be in neutral. The gear knob lifts off the shaft by twisting the knurled base part of the knob by about 45 degrees, unplug the wiring connector and its free to do the paperclip mod, if you are lucky you only have 1 clip broken like mine and rebend existing clips if required with the soldering iron trick. Assembly is reverse note a good thump is needed to seat the wood/ali surround. Hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 253
Likes: 17
2015 GLK 350
C 320 Chrome Shift Ring Repair
Well I finally took the plunge and decided to repair my shift ring also. I modified the paperclip method slightly but the concept is the same. Two of my clips were still okay so I added 2 of the wire clips to secure it. I chose to use some .040 stainless wire that I already had instead of paper clips. I was thinking it might be stronger than the paper clip. I used a .040 drill for the pilot holes. I had purchased the wire previously from McMaster Carr. You could really spend as much time as you want fabricating the clips but mine seem to work okay and the trim is still removable. I chose to drill through the rubber flange since it felt more solid. I just used my fingers to twist the drill through the material. Once I worked it though the hole I put a slight bend on the inside to keep it from backing out. Overall I'm pleased with the results and the price for me was 0 since I had the materials. I'm glad this idea was posted. It's a really easy project.
Just my thoughts.
srb1194
Just my thoughts.
srb1194
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 37
From: NY
2014 E350 4Matic
Guys, I can't thank you enough for posting this fix. Two of the four clips on the chrome shifter bezel on my C55 snapped off and the thing jumped out of position every time I put it in park. A new bezel is $265 now, best I found was $195 at parts.com and Potomac hasn't returned my email yet. However, the paper clip fix is free and fast. I followed the instructions, only had to make one clip, moisturized my gearshift boot and finished in less than 30 minutes -- looks great and doesn't move. I agree with C230 Sport Coup -- if I buy a new one, it will only break. Why bother? This fix is permanent. Hell, if the paper clip wears out, the drilled holes are still there, I can replace it in less than 5 minutes.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
This is great (paper clip job - I'm going to do it)
That stupid trim piece on my shifter broke (2004 C240) about 4 years ago - had it fixed at the dealer because I couldn't find the part (doh! - and I have fixed the broken door handle piece myself - after having the dealer fix that the first time - where it broke again after 1 year...) - We'll of course the dealer said - you cannot buy just the plastic POS piece - you have to buy the electronics as well - unbelievable for such a weak piece - anyhow - the second one has broken. So do NOT throw many at this by buying a new part - it is defective it will always brake!
Now I'm going to do this trick and hopefully fix it once and for all. I know I should have checked back with this forum the first time - I just couldn't figure out what the darn thing was called.
Thanks!
Now I'm going to do this trick and hopefully fix it once and for all. I know I should have checked back with this forum the first time - I just couldn't figure out what the darn thing was called.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Damn!!! Just now noticed this thread. Thanks for bumping it up. 
My daughter has been complaining about loose shifter surround for some time now. Just wish I had time to do this.
Hopefully in a few weeks.
My daughter has been complaining about loose shifter surround for some time now. Just wish I had time to do this.
Hopefully in a few weeks.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2009 CLK350
Trim fix.
Hot glue gun. Works really well. No holes to drill, nothing to bend.
Last edited by Planecrazy421; Mar 17, 2015 at 10:35 PM. Reason: Incomplete.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Let see we got "
1. 040" stainless wire, very professional!
2. Paperclips, using what's available...and FTW
3. Hot glue
I vote for the hot glue as the cheesiest, yet effective fix. Award please!
At least with the paperclips you can bend them to remove the bezel.
1. 040" stainless wire, very professional!
2. Paperclips, using what's available...and FTW
3. Hot glue
I vote for the hot glue as the cheesiest, yet effective fix. Award please!
At least with the paperclips you can bend them to remove the bezel.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Sell the car and get a w211
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Was probably cheaper than buying a new shifter from a MB dealer though 
I always planed on doing the paper clip fix but never got around to it and didn't want to go with the hot glue or JB Weld like others had
I always planed on doing the paper clip fix but never got around to it and didn't want to go with the hot glue or JB Weld like others had
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 858
Likes: 0
From: New Joisey
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
How do you get the shifter knob out. I want to do this but am stuck with the shifter knob. Please some one direct me on how to remove the shifter knob....Don't want to break some thing to fix something...any help is much appreciated in this direction.
Javvy
Javvy
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Have you removed the boot? If so, then just pull up. It will require just enough force so that you almost hit yourself in the face when it finally gives up the ghost. It is a surprising amount of effort that you need.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
W203-C320
1. I used a thin screw driver and then use a lighter to heat it up, then drill a small hole for the paper clip. But be careful not to damage the plastic.
2. Use the hot Glue gun to put the glue around the bezel after putting the paper clip.
Finally, I think it will never move out. Thanks for sharing this idea before.
I think it's really stupid to buy a new trim cause it will not last long.
2. Use the hot Glue gun to put the glue around the bezel after putting the paper clip.
Finally, I think it will never move out. Thanks for sharing this idea before.
I think it's really stupid to buy a new trim cause it will not last long.
Last edited by ahfaitang; Oct 21, 2015 at 09:16 AM.
