🚨 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 W211: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 W211 E-Class uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission selector lever with a button on the front of the shifter handle.
✓ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake.
- If battery power is available, turn the ignition to position 2 (ON) without starting the engine.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console: it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located directly to the left of the shifter base, between the shifter and the center console side trim.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to pry off the cover cap.
- Press the brake pedal (if battery power is available) and insert the screwdriver into the override slot, pushing down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter rearward to N (neutral).
- The shifter should release and move to neutral, allowing the vehicle to roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap located directly to the left of the shifter base on the center console, between the shifter and the console side trim
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override on the W211 is mechanical and should work even with a completely dead battery. Ensure you are pressing the override button down firmly while attempting to shift. If the override mechanism itself has failed, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed. Do not attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.