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My Park (P) Selector button on the center console behind the shifter is worn and delaminating. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the button/cover itself (the silver piece with the illuminated "P") or do I need to replace the whole button assembly or shifter assembly, etc. ? At this point it's merely aesthetic as the silver material around the "P" is peeling up but it looks like crap. I looked on ebay and haven't been able to find anything.
Anyone familiar with how this thing comes apart and how I go about replacing it? Thanks in advance.
Sorry I have no idea but, Wow - I have to be honest, I've never used the Park button - doesn't the car go into P automatically when you switch off? Just wondering why yours is used so much?
Sorry I have no idea but, Wow - I have to be honest, I've never used the Park button - doesn't the car go into P automatically when you switch off? Just wondering why yours is used so much?
On my previous 2017 and current 2019 you have to press the P button after turning the engine off or the car will roll by itself. Otherwise it will go into Park if the drivers door is opened when the engine is turned off. I always have thought this was stupid. The car should go into Park automatically when the engine is turned off. Maybe this is so the SL can be winched on a flat bed tow truck when it breaks! 😊
......Just wondering why yours is used so much?.....
I bought the car with 25K mi on it and it was that way when I got it.
The only thing I can find on the Web are the whole assemblies including shifter and if you look closely at these (links below) they have the same delamination or peeling of the silver layer that mine is having...
On my car when I turn the key off and open the drivers door the vehicle goes into park. That said, the main reason for this post was to figure out how to replace the park selection button behind the shifter which is peeling off much like those in the pictures at the links above.
I had the same issue - My P button had no silver covering as well as the left side of the silver metal/trim was/appeared ridged. I researched and the only solution I could find was to replace the whole shifter part #231-267-02-00 at a cost of $618.75. Not exactly cheap for sure but if you're OCD like me on stuff like this it was a must.
The "P" park button is just a cover for the switch below - A friend of mine bought a new SL - and that space had a duplicate of another switch on that consol - Go to a local dealer - they can easily remove the worn button and order or replace it with a New Cover saying "P" - not a big deal !
I recently purchased my 2013 550SL. It has this same issue with the button delamination. It looks like previous owner tried to paint it with something.
I visited M-B dealer today and parts dept. says no button available to order. I would have to purchase entire shifter assembly....ridiculous.
Anybody have a "button source" or solution?
Such is the world of modular component designs. Even cheap cars will require expensive component replacements. That said, eBay maybe your best friend here. I didn't see any in good condition right now but expect this to cost a couple hundred bucks when the right one comes along.. (Part no. 2312670200)
In the mean time just find some black rectangular stickers and cover the button or use some model paint and paint it.
Do you know if that button will pop off? I don't want to break it, but refinishing may be my only option until I stumble upon a used shifter assembly with a good button.
Do you know if that button will pop off? I don't want to break it, but refinishing may be my only option until I stumble upon a used shifter assembly with a good button.
I have never tried to take one off as mine have been in great shape. You could mask off around the button with the blue painters tape and then use a small brush with your selected color. Just be sure to not apply so much it drips down the side of the button and gets into the electronics. A soft brush should leave no streaks.
Since the button is rounded at some edges you could apply one strip of the blue painters tape across the whole button and then carefully cut along the edges with a xacto knife or razor blade to remove the tape over the button.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; 02-08-2022 at 03:01 PM.
I believe that button can be replaced. Though it may require a horological skillset 🙁 and secret part number. I can’t locate a separate part # for the button.
The whole top cover (with the park button) used to be available separately 2312670088 and 2312670188 though can’t find stock. 😟
You may have better luck looking under the old part number 2312670024 on the shifter. 2312670200 is the newest part number and you may have a tougher time finding the newer part.
I would try to replace just the button/cover (from the eBay shifters) vs replacing a good shifter mechanism (yours) with a used shifter and unknown history.
Good Luck.
Last edited by crconsulting; 02-08-2022 at 10:38 PM.
Utopia Texas, Was this difficult to replace? Did you have to remove the center console? Do you have instructions as to how to remove and replace the unit?
Last edited by spinalator; 02-09-2022 at 08:27 AM.
On a related note, I assume the deterioration of the Park button is due to repeated use. Isn't it true that the SL will automatically go into Park if the engine is turned off when stopped? Could this be a way to prevent this deterioration?
No, The parking brake does not automatically apply when the engine is turned off. You either have to press the button or open the door for the parking brake to apply. It’s a really stupid set up. You can turn the engine off and the SL will roll on a hilly street on it own. One does not turn the engine off and automatically open the door right away.
My Park (P) Selector button on the center console behind the shifter is worn and delaminating. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the button/cover itself (the silver piece with the illuminated "P") or do I need to replace the whole button assembly or shifter assembly, etc. ? At this point it's merely aesthetic as the silver material around the "P" is peeling up but it looks like crap. I looked on ebay and haven't been able to find anything.
Anyone familiar with how this thing comes apart and how I go about replacing it? Thanks in advance.
I just got off the phone with a local engraver. They can cut and engrave (P) onto a piece of sticky backed metal (could be chrome, satin finish etc.) to fit that area. They can also use a colored plastic material that, when engraved, will allow the light to illuminate the “P”. He said it would be around $20.00.
This is my first automatic and I have never pressed the "P" button. I use the "Hold" function when out driving and the "Parking Brake" when I switch the engine off or put it away in the garage, am I doing something wrong?
03-12-2020, 12:09 AM
