🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC W212: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 W212 E-Class uses a column-mounted electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column with a 7G-TRONIC transmission.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ON) if battery has any remaining charge; this may allow normal shifting.
- If the electronic shifter will not respond, locate the shift lock override access point on the center console near the shifter stalk base.
- Remove the small cover cap on the console trim panel directly behind and below the shifter stalk (typically a small rectangular panel).
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the shift lock override slot and press down firmly while attempting to move the shifter stalk to neutral.
- If the shifter remains locked, proceed to manually release the transmission using the emergency release cable in the engine compartment.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission emergency release cable near the transmission bell housing on the driver's side.
- Pull the emergency release cable/lever to mechanically disengage the parking pawl and allow the vehicle to roll (requires two people—one pulling cable, one pushing vehicle).
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover panel on center console trim directly behind/below the column shifter stalk base; slot accessed with key blade or screwdriver.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function and the shift lock override may not release the transmission. You must use the mechanical emergency release cable in the engine compartment near the transmission. A jump start or battery connection is highly recommended to power the shifter electronics. If flatbedding, the vehicle can be pulled onto the bed using the emergency release cable method with winch assistance.