🚨 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 W210: Emergency Neutral
The W210 E320 uses a column-mounted automatic shift lever with an electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to position 2 (ON) if battery has sufficient charge
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Pull the shift lever toward you and move to Neutral
- If brake-light switch has failed or no electrical power: locate the small rectangular access cover on the underside of the column shroud, just below the shift lever
- Remove the access cover by prying it gently with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the release slot and press upward while pulling the shift lever toward you
- Move the lever to Neutral position
- Once in Neutral, vehicle can be towed with rear wheels on ground at low speeds for short distances
Shift-lock override location
Rectangular access cover on the underside of the column shroud, directly below the shift lever; release mechanism is accessed by pressing upward into the slot
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical override slot must be used. Keep the key in position 1 or 2 if possible. Note that the steering lock will remain engaged without power, requiring the vehicle to be towed on a flatbed or with front wheels lifted.