🚨 2023 Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 E53 AMG uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with electronic park lock (W213 platform).
✓ 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 set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Attempt to start the vehicle or at minimum connect a jump starter to provide 12V power to the electrical system
- With power restored, press the brake pedal firmly and move the shift lever to Neutral position
- If the brake pedal does not release the shift lock, locate the shift lock override access point on the right side of the shifter base console trim
- Use a trim tool or flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the small cover panel adjacent to the shifter
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the exposed override slot and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the center console shifter base area, under a small removable trim cover
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the electronic shifter and steering lock will not operate. You MUST provide power via jump starter or battery replacement. The mechanical override only bypasses the brake interlock sensor, not the electronic shifter power requirement itself.