Mercedes-Benz Shifters

All About Mercedes-Benz Shifters

Whether a car or an SUV, an automatic transmission or a manual, continuously variable (CVT), dual-clutch (DCT), or otherwise, your Mercedes-Benz has a gear shifter. You may also hear it called a gear lever or gear shift, and it's often found either 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). Here's everything you need to know.

What a Shifter Does

Essentially, it works as the name suggests -- it lets you change or otherwise select the right gear to drive in, given a set of road and weather conditions. Its top (the shift knob) even incorporates shift patterns that guide that adjustment process.

The Parts of a Shifter

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 Shifters

There are three: your transmission hesitating finding gears, or not getting into gear at all; hearing grinding or feeling shaking; and the 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 center 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 OEM article. It'll be top-quality, compatible, and warranty-backed -- as only Mercedes-Benz can deliver.

Shop Genuine OEM Shifters and Parts Online at Mercedes-Benz USA

Take advantage of steep discounts; order today. We'll ship fast, anywhere stateside. Contact us if you have any questions.