🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 W212: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 W212 E550 uses a traditional floor-mounted console lever shifter with electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening on the right side of the shifter base, typically covered by a small removable cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If you have no power, keep the override depressed and manually shift to Neutral without pressing the brake.
- The vehicle can now be rolled or steered; for towing, it may be released from Park to Neutral with the override.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter base near the leather boot, covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot turn the ignition on, but the mechanical shift lock override still works. Insert the tool into the override slot and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral. You will not have power steering or power brakes, so extra caution is required when moving the vehicle.