noise from under shift counsil when cold

[fritz323i]

I have been driving a euro 1985 300td wagon for the last 5 winters. For the first time this winter when it gets really cold (below 20) i get a noise from somwhere underneath the shift counsil area. It changes pitch randomly. The transmission shifts fine. I even took it into my mb mechanic and had him do a trans filter and flush just to be on the safe side. The noise subsides after about 15 minutes in the car. My mechanic thought it might be the center support bearing.
Any thoughts on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

[VLayton]

A muffled thumping during acceleration would indicate a center support issue, but a random metal on metal chinging and when selecting through gears sounds like a simple shifter linkage bushing issue. Could be neither...

[Maxbumpo]

Is the speedometer in this car cable driven or electric? A speedometer cable can make a lot of racket which will change pitch randomly.

Best bet is to get the car up on a lift while cold, start engine and engage drive and see if the noise can be replicated. Should be easy to spot the culprit with access to the bottom of the car while the drivetrain is turning.

[Grey Ghost]

Fritz, the word you're seeking is CONSOLE

council and its homonym counsel are both perfectly functional members of the King's English, but they don't apply to cars!

[fritz323i]

yes i realize my grammer error. it was after midnight and i had one foot out of the bed when i posted my question. the speedometer cable does sound like it could be the culprit as i makes quite the assortment of high pitched noises before quieting down. thanks for everyones help. especially the grammer patrol guy.

karl

[Grey Ghost]

G-r-a-m-m-a-r

[Maxbumpo]

Skip,

You are killing me. :D