🚨 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC X164: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 GL350 BlueTEC (X164 generation, final year) uses a traditional column-mounted gear selector lever.
✓ 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 or 2 (ACC or ON) if any battery power remains.
- Press the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - on X164 column shifters, look for a small covered opening on the lower left side of the column shroud near the lever base.
- Remove the small plastic cover over the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a screwdriver or metal key into the slot and press firmly toward the steering wheel.
- While holding the override, move the column lever down from P through R to N (Neutral).
- Release the override and verify the gear indicator shows N.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the gear selector lever
With zero electrical power
The X164 column shifter is mechanically linked and should move with the override engaged even with zero power. However, the gear position indicator will not work. If the lever absolutely won't move, the shifter cable may be seized or the transmission range selector may be jammed - professional service required.