I have a 1998 C280 with about 75K miles. The transmission began leaking from the point at which the shift cable enters the transmission. Mercedes told me its a regular occurence and that they all start leaking from there sometime after 40K or so. Anyway, the part is $14 (plastic). No problem removing the broken half of the original part (it bolts into the transmission). No problem removing the pan and removing the old fluid. Problem? The plastic part has a small cap on the end that attaches, inside the transmission, to the notched part that actually shifts the transmission. I don't see a way to remove this spring loaded arm. It appears to be held in place by a metal bar (1/16 diameter or so) visible from the outside of the transmission casing. Can it be that Mercedes made a plastic $14 part that can't be removed without tearing much of the transmission apart? Seems illogical. Must be an easy way. Do you guys know how to get this part out? C'mon guys. Must be someone out there who has replaced this part.
Thanks