Shift Knobs

Shift Knobs

Refresh the way your classic cockpit looks and feels with premium gear shift knobs that honor factory design while adding a bespoke touch. This collection centers on period-correct wood options—including Zebrano—to complement beloved interiors from the classic E-Class and related chassis codes. Whether you’re restoring a daily driver or elevating a concours build, our shift knobs deliver a satisfying hand feel, authentic materials, and fitment engineered for the models enthusiasts love most.

Custom shift knobs that feel tailor-made

Custom shift knobs are a simple, high-impact upgrade. The right knob can improve grip, bring warmth to the cabin, and echo the wood and leather textures that define your interior. If your original knob is worn, faded, or cracked, a handcrafted replacement restores tactile precision every time you change gears—without altering the character of your car.

In this collection you’ll find options chosen for their material quality, ergonomic shape, and compatibility with popular chassis. Our best-seller showcases Zebrano wood, celebrated for its dramatic grain and factory-correct look on classic interiors. Prefer a stealthy vibe? Use filters to browse finishes—from richly striped wood to understated dark tones—so the shift knob matches your existing trim and gaiter.

Zebrano wood: heritage-correct material, modern durability

Zebrano is an exotic hardwood historically used across premium interiors for its striking brown base and dark, ribbon-like grain. It’s naturally strong, and when sealed with a clear, UV-stable lacquer, it resists everyday wear while maintaining a deep, glossy luster. In the hand, Zebrano feels warm and organic—an immediate upgrade over tired plastic.

Our Zebrano shift knobs are crafted to align closely with factory wood tones, making them an ideal choice for owners who want a cohesive look across the center console and dash. Because Zebrano is a natural material, each piece has unique figuring—no two knobs are exactly alike—giving your interior a subtle custom touch without straying from period-correct styling.

Designed for fitment you can trust

Vehicle fitment is just as important as finish. Our collection focuses on knobs engineered for the shift mechanisms used in classic models such as:

• W114/W115 (late 1960s to mid-1970s)
• R107 (early 1970s to late 1980s)
• W126 (late 1970s to early 1990s)
• W124 E-Class (mid-1980s to mid-1990s)

Depending on your specific model and transmission, your factory knob may attach with a press-fit mechanism, a hidden retaining clip, or a threaded shaft. Our knobs are offered with the correct attachment style for the chassis they’re designed to fit. Always verify the attachment type on your vehicle and review the product details before ordering.

How to quickly confirm compatibility

• Identify transmission type: manual or automatic/selector-style.
• Check the attachment: press-fit, threaded, or clip-retained. If unsure, consult your owner’s manual or carefully remove the existing knob to inspect.
• Match trim: compare your interior wood (if equipped) to Zebrano tones for the closest aesthetic match.

Key benefits you can feel on every drive

A well-designed shift knob is more than a visual upgrade. Here’s what sets our collection apart:

• Authentic materials: real Zebrano hardwood with a clear, durable lacquer for a rich, period-correct look.
• Driver-focused ergonomics: shapes that nest naturally in the hand for confident, precise shifts.
• Finish that lasts: UV-stable coatings designed to maintain depth and gloss under sun exposure.
• Vehicle-specific fitment: hardware tailored to the attachment style used on the target chassis for a secure, rattle-free install.

These attributes combine to deliver a custom shift knob experience that aligns with factory design language while adding quality you can see and feel.

Installation overview: simple, secure, and reversible

Most installs can be completed in minutes with basic hand tools:

• Protect surrounding trim with a soft cloth.
• Remove the old knob:
  • Press-fit: pull firmly straight up; avoid twisting to protect the shaft.
  • Threaded: turn counterclockwise by hand; use a soft strap if needed.
  • Clip-retained: release the clip per the service manual.
• Align the new knob and seat it fully:
  • Press-fit: push straight down until it bottoms and locks.
  • Threaded: start by hand to avoid cross-threading; tighten snugly.
  • Clip-retained: ensure the clip clicks into place.

Always confirm that the knob is fully secure and does not interfere with gear selection or the shift boot/gaiter.

Care and maintenance for Zebrano wood

Keeping your wood knob looking its best is straightforward:

• Dust regularly with a clean microfiber towel.
• Spot-clean with a pH-balanced interior cleaner sprayed onto the towel (not directly on the knob).
• Avoid abrasive pads, harsh solvents, or ammonia-based cleaners that can haze the clearcoat.
• When parked for extended periods, use a sunshade to reduce UV load on all interior surfaces.

These simple habits protect the lacquer and preserve the richness of the Zebrano grain for years of driving.

How to choose the right knob for your build

• Material and color: match Zebrano to factory wood or choose a darker finish to pair with a black interior.
• Attachment style: confirm press-fit, threaded, or clip-retained before ordering.
• Ergonomics: select a profile that suits your driving style—taller for leverage, rounded for palm comfort.
• Finish quality: look for UV-stable lacquer, smooth edges, and consistent grain alignment.
• Complements: consider pairing with a fresh shift boot/gaiter for a cohesive refresh.

FAQs: custom shift knobs, fitment, and care

Will a Zebrano shift knob fit my W124, W114/W115, R107, or W126?

Our knobs are offered in variants tailored to these chassis. Because attachment styles vary by model and transmission, always check the product page and verify your car’s attachment type before ordering to ensure a precise, secure fit.

Is the knob real wood or a printed plastic?

It’s real Zebrano hardwood finished with a clear, protective lacquer. The natural grain means each piece is unique while remaining true to the period-correct look of classic interiors.

Does it work with both manual and automatic transmissions?

Yes—provided you select the correct variant. Manual and selector-style (automatic) mechanisms use different attachment methods and sometimes different internal hardware. Choose the listing that matches your transmission and attachment style.

How difficult is installation?

Most installs take a few minutes with basic care. Press-fit styles typically push straight on; threaded styles screw on by hand; clip-retained designs lock with an integrated clip. Protect surrounding trim and follow the specific steps in your vehicle’s service manual.

Will the finish fade or crack in the sun?

The clearcoat is designed to resist UV and everyday wear. As with any interior surface, prolonged, intense sun exposure can speed up aging, so regular dusting and use of a sunshade help preserve the finish.

How can I match the wood to my existing trim?

Zebrano varies naturally in tone and striping. We source and finish pieces to sit comfortably alongside factory wood. Expect slight variation—that uniqueness is part of the appeal and looks authentic in classic cabins.

What’s the advantage of custom shift knobs over universal options?

Custom, vehicle-specific knobs are engineered for the exact shaft, attachment style, and ergonomics of your car. They install cleanly and feel OEM-solid, whereas universal designs rely on adapters and set screws that can be less seamless.

Why shop this collection

We focus on the essentials that matter to enthusiasts: authentic materials, vehicle-specific fit, and finishes that align with factory design language. From Zebrano wood that elevates a classic interior to thoughtfully shaped profiles that make every shift more satisfying, these custom shift knobs deliver quality you can see, hold, and enjoy on every drive.