🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 W213: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 W213 E350 uses a traditional Mercedes electronic console-mounted shifter lever with push-button P and positions for R, N, D.
✓ 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.
- Insert the key fob into the ignition slot (right side of steering column) or have it in the vehicle.
- Press the brake pedal firmly (even with a dead battery, try this first as some residual module power may remain).
- If the shifter will not move out of Park, locate the shift lock override access: look for a small rectangular cover/cap on the right side of the shifter base console, near the passenger side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off the override access cover.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and down into the N position.
- If the steering lock is engaged and will not release due to no power, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery (located in the trunk, right side) to energize the electronic steering lock and shifter interlock.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter console base; override slot is directly beneath this cover.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter interlock and steering lock will NOT release. You must jump-start the 12V battery in the trunk (right side under a cover) to provide enough power to release the shifter and steering lock, even momentarily. Once power is applied, quickly shift to N. Alternatively, the vehicle must be lifted with dollies under the front wheels or flatbedded with the steering locked.