Whether you drive a Mercedes-Benz car or one of the brand's SUVs, it's got a gear shifter. That's true whether its transmission is an automatic or a manual, continuously variable (CVT), dual-clutch (DCT), or otherwise. You may also hear the mechanism referred to as a gear lever or gear shift. Either way, it's often found one of two places: between the front seats, sometimes set into the floor (and called a "floor shifter" for that reason), or on the steering column (called a "column shifter," in that case).

If that seems like a lot of info already, you should know that there's even more to learn. Don't worry. You can get all the details you need to make an educated purchasing decision, right here.

All About Mercedes-Benz Shifters

What They Do

Essentially, they work as the name suggests -- they let you change or otherwise select the right gear to drive in, given a set of road and weather conditions. Their tops (the shift knobs) even incorporate shift patterns that guide that adjustment process.

The Parts of One

There are several. Among them is a gearbox linkage -- a set of rods that transmits the movement of the gear stick to the gearbox itself, converting it into the right gear or drive mode selection there. Another is the set of gear selector cables, which actually put your transmission in gear. When they all work right, you get into that gear and stay in it. When they don't, however, you'll invariably have trouble driving. Luckily, there are symptoms to tell you something's going on.

The Signs of Problems with One

There are three, generally. One is your transmission hesitating finding gears, or not getting into gear at all. Another is hearing grinding or feeling shaking. The last is your gears starting to slip, meaning go in and out of gear.

Trouble finding gears or getting into gear suggests clutch or shift cable issues. Grinds and shakes indicate trouble with the gears themselves, and gear slippage is a dangerous situation. At any rate, you should do an inspection or have your vehicle inspected by a Mercedes-Benz service professional and get any necessary repairs done ASAP.

Your best option for a DIY job, though? Install a new shifter, and more specifically, put in the genuine Mercedes-Benz article.

Why a Genuine OEM Shifter is the Best Choice for a Mercedes-Benz Vehicle

The brand designs and builds them compatible with its cars and SUVs specifically. That's essentially a fitment guarantee. Our auto parts store has plenty for sale. Buy one today and we'll ship it right away, right to your door, so you can take care of business.