🚨 2026 Mercedes-Benz E450 W213: Emergency Neutral
The W213 E-Class uses a traditional console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with electronic shift-by-wire operation.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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 possible.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base, covered by a small plastic cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cap.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if any residual electrical power exists) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If completely dead with no electrical power, the electronic shifter will not respond—you must use the manual transmission release procedure or flatbed the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter is completely inoperable. You cannot shift to Neutral using normal methods. Mercedes-Benz provides a manual transmission release procedure in the owner's manual involving accessing the transmission from underneath the vehicle—this requires a lift and should only be performed by trained technicians. For roadside situations, flatbed towing is required. Do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.