🚨 1995 Mercedes-Benz E500 W124: Emergency Neutral
The W124 E500 uses a traditional column-mounted shifter lever with a mechanical shift lock release.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly applied and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening in the plastic shroud on the left side of the column shifter housing, near where the lever enters the column.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot if present.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you into Neutral.
- If the key is stuck in the ignition, you may need to manipulate the shifter and key together - the key can only be removed in Park position.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot in the plastic shroud on the left side of the column shifter housing, near where the lever enters the column
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the shift lock release is purely mechanical on the W124. Follow the override procedure above - no battery power is required to release the shifter. The steering wheel will remain locked unless the key is in position 1 or 2, which may require a small amount of residual battery voltage or jump-starting just to turn the key.