🚨 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 W213: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 W213 E450 uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever (Direct Select) with shift-by-wire technology.
✓ 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 vehicle is on flat surface and parking brake is applied
- Attempt to turn ignition to ON position using start/stop button (press without brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override access on the right side of the shifter assembly, near the base
- Pry off the small circular or rectangular plastic cap next to the shifter using a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert the metal portion of the key fob or a small screwdriver into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while attempting to move the shifter to Neutral
- The shifter may require rocking back and forth gently while maintaining pressure on the override
- Once released, move shifter to N position
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the center console shifter base, under a small plastic cap approximately 1 inch from the shifter itself
With zero electrical power
The W213 uses an electronic shifter with shift-by-wire technology. With completely dead 12V battery, the mechanical override may not engage the transmission into neutral because the transmission itself requires electrical power to shift. You will likely need to provide minimal jump power to the 12V battery (located in trunk on right side) to energize the transmission control module. Even with override released, the transmission may remain in Park electronically without some battery voltage.