🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 W212: Emergency Neutral
The W212 E350 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button twice without brake pedal if still possible with remaining battery power).
- Locate the shift lock override access - there is a small rectangular cap/cover on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the small plastic cap.
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or small tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral.
- If successful, the shifter will move freely to N position.
- Replace the override cap after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side), covering a manual release slot that must be pressed down while operating the shifter button.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You must use the mechanical key to unlock the steering column first (insert key in ignition), then use the override procedure. The shift interlock is mechanical and does not require electrical power to release when using the override slot.