Sportstick

Thank you Petje for this lead!!

For 69 Euros, this OE (but not in North America) leather shift knob arrived today!
There are a couple of choices, but I chose the all-leather design, which actually fits my hand a bit better than the original aluminum-look design. I found out that this eBay site is actually an MB dealer in Germany.

http://stores.ebay.de/mercedes-benz-...sub=2562644015

hmc

Is it easy to install?

Sportstick

It turned out to be, but I needed help because I was concerned I would break something. With a small plastic flat end tool, you get under and pop off the chrome ring around the boot base and roll up the boot. Then, there is a collar right under the knob which is turned a quarter turn, then it's a hard yank right up. At first, I did not pull hard enough, but I got some more info and the stronger pull released the O.E. knob. The new one went right on, snapped in with downward force, turned the collar to lock it in, snapped in the boot chrome base and was all set. Total time... a couple of minutes.

crash1369

I've been wondering about this. So just to be clear you unclip the base of the boot, unlock a hidden collar which is under the boot and then the whole thing just yanks off? Are the shift boot and the knob one piece then or can they be separated once their off the car?

Sportstick

You wedge up the chrome edging around the base of the boot attachment and the clips release allowing it to pop up and out of the console...just get under it gently and work your way around.

Yes, once the collar is rotated, upward pressure pulls off the knob, but it took a lot of pull on my car.

Boot and knob are one assembly, on the car or off.

Good luck!

crash1369

Thanks. I actually like the OEM knob, but I have been keeping my eye out for options. As long as it's easy to change and didn't require tearing apart half the car you know.
Ideally I would actually prefer just replacing it with one from an automatic but their totally different, aren't they? I would just rather have the Mercedes symbol on the top rather then the shift pattern

C300Sport

Hey Sportstick, how's the new leather shifter holding up?
I was thinking of giving it a try but the vendor from you link you posted doesn't seem to be selling them any longer. I have searched the web a bit but couldn't find one. Any ideas where I might find one or even just the brand name, model #, etc?
Thanks

Sportstick

Good as new! It is an OE Mercedes part, and shows up in the dealer's part database, but without pricing and as N/A in North America. But, I Googled the part number, and found it again! Here it is.....enjoy!

http://www.ebay.de/itm/ws/eBayISAPI....c#ht_500wt_923

C300Sport

Looks good. Can the US dealers order Euro parts if they are willing to put forth the effort? Although it would likely be more expensive than this anyhow.
I am going to ask my German friend to translate the page (better than Google translate) before I buy as I don't want to miss the fine print....like where is says 100 Euro to ship to the States or something similar...
Thanks!

Sportstick

According to my very good dealer, no. There is no pricing info available and the part has not been released through the NA distribution system.

EuRo_C300

Hi, will i be able to replace my c300 Manual Shift knob with this one and replace my logo with my manual emblem logo ? Thank u

C300Sport

Spoke with the parts manager at RBM last week and he said he could get me one....for $370. I about choked and declined the offer.
The link you posted seems to be the only one currently available anywhere, and it is used with "scuff" marks so I have decided to bide my time until something pops up.
Thanks for the info as my google search is much easier with the part #.

DonjuanOriginal

Seems like such a headache for a simple shift knob. I have a manual tran. and have been looking for a direct replacement (not a universal) and have come up with no luck. I hope someone gets to find a good alternative.

C300Sport

Didn't have to wait too long as I picked up a new OEM leather knob like Sportstick's on eBay for 97.30 USD delivered from Germany. Can't wait to see that ugly yellow DHL van!

Sportstick

Good find! Congrats! The simple change from the slippery aluminum OE part to the black leather is delightful!

C300Sport

Just got my new leather shifter in the mail. It feels great and has a really nice heft to it. Can't wait to put in on...guess I know what I am doing for lunch today!!

Sportstick

Burgers?




Enjoy! Surprising just how much better it does feel!

C300Sport

This thing is awesome. It's funny but I swear the car shifts better!!

Of course it could be the same as how your car rides better freshly washed and waxed, with a full tank of gas but who cares.

Rhodes84

does anybody know where to get this leather shift knob in the states? thanks in advanced

porschebreath

Where do you get when you chrome trip around the boot?

DJ BIS

I am also looking for a leather piece.
I hate the feel and slipperiness of the original aluminum ball.
And it has this thin metal sheet in the middle that has a bit of a sharp edge coming out.
The whole time I am driving I mess with it and it just bothers the sh*t out of me. lol
#ocdproblems

Doanster

You mean like this one? Ping Jerry at formymercedes.com and see if he has any more. It's a great knob!!!

afeudale

Old thread I know...but I had the same problem with aluminum chafing on my 6-speed shift knob. Tried painting it - even with etch primer, nothing would stick.

So I got creative with a bit of heat-shrink tubing. Looks not bad and saves me $600 from the dealership!

DJ BIS

That's really clever. But man, that heat shrink piece has got to be like 2" diameter? more maybe?
Cool hack!

Molly Mares

The link doesn’t work I’m looking for one on my 2009 c 300 6 speed please help thank you