Vehicle: 1999 500sl sport - 2001 e430 4matic - 2000 bmw 528i sport - 1966 corvette
Location: st louis, mo
Posts: 63
pictures of shifter remove and replace
Here are some pictures of my shifter removal and replace after letting the shifter drink some diet dr. pepper (just a couple a drops, so be carefull, this is not a cheap fix). Thanks to all who contribute to this forum as the information I found here enabled me to diagnose the problem and also how to fix the nightmare. I wanted to post some pictures and relay some things I found out. The entire console does have to removed to remove the shifter as the 2 rear allen bolts are covered by an air duct. The very rear panel of console just pops out as well as the rear air vents and air duct, you will notice 2 small phillips screws in back of console once the rear air vent duct is removed. Once the 2 small screws are removed, the black plastic piece which contains wires in the lower center console can be pushed toward front of car to access two gold colored phillips screws securing the console to the floor. The console can be laid upright (not removed entirely) in order to finish removing air duct that covers the allen bolts securing shifter. The most difficult part is removing the clip that secures the linkage to trans., and also reinstalling it is alot of fun! I heard rumors of having to reflash the car (only at dealer) so it would run, not true plug and play. I did have to enter the radio code and resyncronize windows, seats, sunroof, etc. (refer to owners manual - easy). Part cost $392 + tax, I've read here some have spent $1000 at dealer to replace, well worth the savings! Hope this helps someone else, Chris.
I am so glad that you took the time to post these pictures. Every time I place my stainless Starbucks coffee mug into the holder I think about what would have to be done if i spill some in there. My girlfriend has been lectured ad nauseum about how important this is to me.
You may remember, I have the same car as you, but I would love to have the black interior! Keep up the good work, and thanks.
PS. Is there any way of improvising an additional seal while you are in there?
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Great pictures, these will hekp the many that follow do this. It is straight forward diy and will save thousands of dollars.
bty you can get these used for about half the dealer price, and you are just going to do it again.
(Keep the car and loose the girlfriend)
Good Job!!
B
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Well, If you're worried about the small electrical board in there please take a moment to look it over carefully. If there seems to be Soda in it you can remove it, clean it and get it back in there...
Get an ESD (electrostatic disipatative bag) from radio shack to handle and store it in. unplug everything from the harness there and use a coton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the surface of the board and electronic components with. Using a magnifying glass or microscope look for bad or burnt out components- Also, check for broken solder traces on the ends or sides of the pieces... It can be time consuming, but if its the board and if its visible- (damage may not always be visible) you might be able to track down the culprit quickly.
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I feel like I have seen a post somewhere of someone mentioning that you could put a layer of plastic over that circuit board area while you have it all apart to prevent future mishaps...
Just tossing in the link to the pics from the module removal itself DIY from the W208 forum...This is already in our DIY stickies but that way they're both linked together. (I love the one picture in this one with the module out and all those wires...and the little magnetic bin of screws...looks worse than it is, I'm sure.)
__________________ When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
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Well, we have Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Diet Pepsi, water and now I can add Gevalia coffee to the list. Long story, but $500 and a few hours later, and the new shifter is in... Not a bad DIY project; thought it would be worse.
and an open sun roof.Some guy called me to embarrassed to post his issue of a small dog he has, relieving itself right on the shifter.No hope for that one the salt fried the whole board. ohlord
Worst design evah... 
Great Job Chris 
ohlord
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