Have a 1998 SL500 with 60,000 miles. Dealer tells me I need the shift linkage bushing replaced. Has anyone heard of this ???

 

Yes, I had the same thing done 2 years ago. It dripped where a shifting rod came out of the transmission. Make sure to use a quality bearing. You have to break the transmission down so while your at it put in a new connector plate and change filter and fluid. Use a quality Indy. All together cost me $700.00. Hope you can get it cheaper.

 

Yes. It is just a small bushing that connects your shift lever to the shift rod on the transmission. You could do it yourself if you wanted to do so. This post will give you an idea of what I am describing:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...k-neutral.html