alynch

Working on the C250 this afternoon to swap out the shifter. Ran into a problem trying to disconnect the transmission linkage. The WIS (and the replacement) shows an open clip on one end that slips onto the shaft. However, the clip on the vehicle is different, and I couldn't work out how to remove it. There seems to be a collar around the clip which I tried unsuccessfully to pop off. Any ideas? I ran out of time (and patience) and had to put everything back together.

Odd Piggy

Stretching here and working from memory because I can’t get at any of my reference materials. Is your WIS a 2013 edition or later? The open ended C shaped clip goes with the W203 from what I remember. I replaced one about 15 years ago. It goes with a polymer bushing. It probably works on the W204, too, because I think the shifter is mechanically the same. Isn’t that collar on top of the spring washer split? There’s no other way that it can be installed on the shaft because it has to expand to get where it is unless it’s a crush washer.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Looks like a C clip that pops off (with considerable force). Just have to get a good angle on it and push with a wide flat blade screwdriver from the open side.

alynch

I'm using a version of the WIS I purchased in 2016, but it could be older. I have a new rubber grommet and polymer bushing. I was using a flat-blade screwdriver in one hand while holding the shifter in the other hand. All this from the driver's seat to avoid jacking up the car and removing the clip from below (I'm not sure it would be easier). I had reached the point where I had a deep-seated feeling that I was about to break something, so I backed off. You know when you're working on a fastener and exerting so much force, you know that you must be doing it wrong? I've broken too many fasteners and skinned too many knuckles. The new clip is more in line with Odd Piggy's description and significantly different from the old clip.

Odd Piggy

That’s exactly what I remember from my daughter’s C230.

Since you’re not going to reuse it, why not get a Dremel tool and cut the retaining washer/bushing off?

I’ve been there before with German cars, with a box of new parts, looking at the car saying to myself, “What the ….” Let us know how it goes.