Loose gear lever

[sgp]

Hi guys,

Need your help. My 250sl 1967 is having an issue with its automatic gears. The car turns on fine but then when I went to put it on reverse the whole gear lever is simply loose.  It doesn’t go into any gear. Any clues of what it may be?

Thank you!

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi SGP,
The linkages between the auto gear levers as well as the manual levers have nylon bushes which don’t last for ever. Eventually they start breaking up, disintegrate and fall apart and you have what you describe.
Apart from being a nuisance not being able to select the correct gear, or driving the car, it is not a big deal.
These nylon grommets are available and once replaced, your SL will feel like a brand new car.
Regards
Chris

[sgp]

Thanks Chris! I will look into it, do you think that changing the nylon grommets is something I can do myself? My transmission oil is also very low so I will also change it.

Thanks again!

[Bob G MN]

Yes it's probably the grommet.  There are actually 2 of them.  There is a tool to push them in but you can also do it with a pliars although that is not as easy.  Also put the new grommet in hot water as that helps get it through the hole.

[Mike K]

Agree with what Bob said above, re hot water & flat nose pliers. I also added some liquid soap to the bushings, it took a couple of minutes to do the job without the tool.

I subsequently bought the tool for next time....