108 chassis column-mounted shifter

[4point5]

Okay, I have always wondered why M-B went to the trouble of doing an American-style column shift on the 108/109 cars when the more direct, mechanically-simple floor-mounted shifter was already in use- especially now that I am having issues with mine-

The only things I can think of: appealing to American tastes, and/or moving the shifter from between the seats to accomodate a third front passenger (even though about 1% of 108/109 cars have that center console insert to create what looks like an extra perch. Or maybe that's just an armrest!)

In any event, I think the linkage must be slightly out of adjustment, a bushing has disapppeared, or perhaps the park/neutral start switch is wonky, too:

The car will start in N but not P, and Park will not engage fully anymore (thank you functioning parking brake...). Also, the seat belt buzzer now likes to make noise in P, indicating to me that the adjustment is off-

Function of the transmission is normal while driving in all respects. Now, where to begin with this linkage?

Thanks, and cheers,

Justin

[badali]

I saw another post about the linkage bushings. I think if you can get the car on a lift you may see an obvious worn bushing in the linkage. I have to check mine also. I had the car out in July when I was on leave and noticed it was a little loose. Mine is a floor shift. Take a look at it your self before you take it to someone for this. It could be an easy fix.
Brad

[Tom Hanson]

New bushings and a few simple adjustments will take car of this one. It's not rocket science either. I could even probably do it. Need parts illustrations? I can fax them to you.