I ordered wood shift knob for my 1998 E430. It came without a chrome shift rod like they did for other mercedes I've had. It has a collar that unscrews from the bottom and then it looks like the existing rod just slides up into the new knob. My current shift knob looks the same so I tried to unscrew the collar at the bottom. It wouldn't budge and I didn't want to force it. Did I not use enough force to get the old one off or does it come off in some different way?

 

You didn't use enough force. The shift knob comes off by twisting the lower collar of the knob clockwise about 1/4 turn. Then pull the knob off.

 

Thank you MBtech 208. You just saved me another thrip to the shop!

 

hey mbtech!

can i do this on my 02 E55 too?

 

Whoops!!! I meant counter-clockwise to remove the knob, clockwise to tighten it. Yes, JamE55, this is how the shift knob is removed on practically every new Mercedes.

 

MBtech208,

Well, maybe not. I tried twisting with my hand and then with pliers ( wrapped in cloth ) but it still would not turn. Hate to bust something. It doesn't make any difference if it is a sport does it?

 

I guess I'm a little quick on the trigger. I'll head back to the garage and see if "counter" clockwise does it.

 

Got it! Counter clockwise. But the aftermarket knob goes on a little different. The collar unscrews from the knob--you place the collar over the shift rod, then put on the new shift knob and screw it to the collar.