🚨 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 W205: Emergency Neutral
The W205 C300 uses a Mercedes Direct Select electronic shifter lever mounted on the steering column (not floor-mounted like the W204).
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Engage the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining - this may require the key fob in the vehicle and pressing the start button without pressing the brake.
- Locate the shift lock override: on the column-mounted shifter stalk assembly, look for a small plastic cap or slot on the underside or side of the shifter housing.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to pry off the cover cap if present.
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press the release mechanism.
- While holding the override, attempt to move the shifter stalk to the neutral position.
- If successful, the transmission should be in neutral - verify by attempting to roll the vehicle slightly.
- Replace any cover cap removed.
Shift-lock override location
On the column-mounted shifter stalk assembly, typically on the underside or side of the shifter housing under a small plastic cap - exact location may require inspection
With zero electrical power
The W205 electronic shifter is more problematic with zero power. The shift lock override may still work mechanically, but the transmission's actual neutral engagement is electronically controlled. With completely dead battery, the transmission may remain in park even if the shifter releases. In this case, flatbed towing with all four wheels off the ground or dollies under the drive wheels is required. Do not attempt to flat-tow - the transmission cannot be confirmed in neutral.