Excessive shifter play

I have trouble getting into 2nd and 4th gears because of the shifter stem hitting the rear of the console opening. What would be the most probable cause? What repairs or adjustments may be needed? Is there any way to do repairs or adjustments from the top-side of the "hump" under the console, or will everything need to be done from under the car? (Side note: car is ready to hit 229,000 miles and still gets about 22 mpg....something to be said for German engineering....)
Thanks in advance,
Scott

relace all the bushings and joints in the shifter. Very common and done from inside the car. Cheap