I have this 61 220s that I cannot get into reverse. It's a 4 speed on the column. Can someone tell me the shift pattern to engage reverse & also explain how the shifter works in the column? I have the cover off at the levers under the hood & it appears that I'm not engaging the reverse lever. I can manually push the lever back into reverse. Phone # 864-903-0924

 

i remember a guy told me that problem in his w140 and that was from the gear oil cause he didnt change it and some times its only have little oil u better check it

 

I have the exact same problem with my 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220sb which has a 4-speed manual shifter on the column.

The owner's manual says that you "must overcome some spring resistance" in order to shift into reverse - and from neutral, to pull the shifter towards yourself, then up. However, the shifter does not seem to be able to come towards the driver.

I took the steering wheel off and started going through the column, and found a rubber grommet surrounding the cylinder for the shifter. At the top is a retaining clip, which, if removed, allows the shifter to come towards the driver. However, without a steering wheel, I can't very well test if it is working.

I'm assuming the shifter was designed this way for a reason. Although I can't fathom why it has to be so hard to get in to reverse!

Does anyone else have experience with a situation like this? And if so, how did you overcome it?

- Bill