Auto Shifter Cover: Writing on L or R?

[Douglas]

I noticed that some SLs have the "P-R-N-4-3-2" to the right of the lever and some have it to the left. I can't seem to make rhyme or reason why some are different from others.

Here's a photo of the cover on my LHD US-spec 280SL:



Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

Download Attachment: shifter.JPG
39.12 KB

[J. Huber]

Hi Douglas. Going from memory right now... I believe mine is on the left or inside half. Also I don't have the grooves on the plate.

James
63 230SL

Mine also has an O for neutral...

[J. Huber]

Me again. The more I look at yours, the more I think mine might be on right side as well....I knew there was a reason I should have driven the Pagoda to work today!

Definitely no grooves. 1963 Euro LHD.

James
63 230SL

[TheEngineer]

Mine is just like yours: Writing on the right and grooves. 113044-12-007537 US model. Sold in Torrence, CA in March '69 by The Autohaus

1969 280SL,Signal Red, A/T, P/S, A/C, Both tops.    Ret. engr. 1967 230SL - Sold

[Dick M]

Send picture of your shift plate... When I drove your car the other day I ment to mention that it was totally different than on my 70 and wondered if it was something special.

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

Me again. The more I look at yours, the more I think mine might be on right side as well....I knew there was a reason I should have driven the Pagoda to work today!

Definitely no grooves. 1963 Euro LHD.

James
63 230SL

Dick M
1970 280SL

[J. Huber]

Well, just to be sure, I had to take a 20 mile ride after work! Writing is on left side of shifter, no grooves...Final answer.

Dick, I wish I had a digital camera. Thanks for the visit. I enjoyed Pagoda-swapping! I'll be in touch.

James
63 230SL

[hauser]

Hey guys could it be possible one was meant for LHD and the other for RHD?

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[hands_aus]

My RHD 250 sl has the letters on the LHS and has the grooves.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[J. Huber]

My shift knob is also quite different than most: a chrome ball with the Mercedes star and laurel logo (like hood emblem)in center...

And, while we are on the subject of right and left... My car has another seemingly unique feature: on the trunk, my 230SL emblem is on the left and my AUTOMATIC emblem is on the right. Most cars I have seen have them stacked... Original trunk lid. Anyone else?

James
63 230SL

[Cees Klumper]

I'm pretty sure I've seen the 'automatic' badge on the right side of the trunk lid, on US models.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

Here is a picture of mine.
63 230 SL Euro, LHD.

Download Attachment: PICT0009.JPG
64.11 KB

[TA250SL]

My Euro 250SL LHD also has the markings on the left side.  Another difference is that the left side markings are engraved, while the right side markings are somehow different, as illustrated by the P and R.  It appears that the markings are maybe cut-out and backed up with a black layer.  It's hard to tell for sure from a picture exactly how they are manufactured.  Maybe it's a difference in early cars vs. later cars?

Tom

[Cees Klumper]

On earlier cars, the letters/numbers are only engraved and not cut-out, because on the later cars the letters/numbers are back-lit ...

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic