Shift Cable

This procedure replaces the transmission shift cable connecting the gear selector to the transmission on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG with the M275 6.0L V12 BiTurbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission shift cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable grommets (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable adjustment clip × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place transmission in Park position
3. Turn ignition off and remove key
4. Allow vehicle to cool if recently driven
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes for system discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console trim
   Remove the gear selector surround trim panel using trim removal tools. Carefully pry up from the rear edge and disconnect any electrical connectors for switches or displays. Remove the cup holder assembly if it obstructs access to the shifter base.
2. 2

   Access shift cable at selector
   Locate the shift cable connection at the base of the gear selector mechanism. Remove the plastic cover over the cable connection point by removing retaining screws. Note the cable routing and position of any retaining clips for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect cable from selector
   Loosen the adjustment nut on the shift cable end using a 10mm wrench. Disconnect the cable end from the selector lever by pressing the release clip and sliding the cable end out of the ball socket. Remove the cable from any interior mounting brackets.
   Torque spec

   Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove cable firewall grommet
   From inside the vehicle, locate where the shift cable passes through the firewall. Carefully pry out the rubber grommet from the firewall using a flathead screwdriver. Push the cable toward the engine bay to create slack for removal.
5. 5

   Access transmission from below
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack and support on jack stands if additional access is needed. Remove the transmission undertray if equipped. Locate the shift cable connection point on the driver side of the transmission near the valve body.
6. 6

   Remove cable bracket at transmission
   Locate the cable bracket mounting bolts securing the cable to the transmission housing. Remove these bolts using a 13mm socket. Keep track of any washers or spacers used with these bolts.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect cable from transmission lever
   Loosen the adjustment nut at the transmission end of the cable. Disconnect the cable end from the transmission selector lever by releasing the retaining clip. Carefully note the lever position and orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove old cable assembly
   Trace the cable routing from transmission to firewall, removing any remaining clips or brackets securing the cable to the chassis or engine components. Carefully pull the cable through the firewall into the engine bay and remove from vehicle. Inspect the firewall grommet for damage.
9. 9

   Install new cable assembly
   Route the new shift cable from the engine bay through the firewall opening in the same path as the original. Install a new firewall grommet if the old one is damaged. Ensure the cable is not kinked or twisted during installation. Route the cable along the same path as removed, using existing clips and brackets.
10. 10

    Connect cable to transmission
    Attach the transmission end of the cable to the selector lever, ensuring the cable end snaps securely onto the ball socket. Install the cable bracket to the transmission housing and torque the bracket bolts to specification. Do not fully tighten the adjustment nut yet.
    Torque spec

    Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect cable to selector mechanism
    From inside the vehicle, pull the cable through and connect to the gear selector lever ball socket. Ensure the connection is secure. Install the cable into any interior mounting brackets following the original routing path.
12. 12

    Perform cable adjustment
    Place the transmission selector lever in Park position. At the transmission end, ensure the transmission lever is fully in Park detent position. Adjust the cable length using the adjustment nut until there is no slack but no tension on the cable. Tighten the adjustment nut to specification. Verify smooth operation through all gear positions.
    Torque spec

    Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install covers and trim
    Reinstall the shift cable cover at the base of the selector mechanism and torque cover screws to specification. Reinstall the center console trim panel and cup holder assembly. Reconnect any electrical connectors that were disconnected.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall transmission undertray if removed
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Perform shift cable adjustment verification with engine running

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it only starts in Park and Neutral positions
• Cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-S) and confirm smooth engagement without binding
• Verify the gear position indicator on the instrument cluster matches the selected gear
• With foot on brake, confirm the shifter releases from Park smoothly
• Test drive the vehicle and verify all gears engage properly and shift quality is normal
• Verify reverse lights illuminate when Reverse is selected

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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