🚨 2000 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI W220: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 S320 CDI (W220 generation) has a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 the parking brake is firmly applied
- Turn the ignition to position 2 (ON) if you have any battery power - this may allow the shift interlock to function
- Firmly depress the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override button: it is a small covered button or slot on the center console immediately adjacent to the shifter, typically to the left side of the shifter base
- Remove the small cover cap (may be labeled or unmarked)
- Using a small flathead screwdriver, press down firmly on the override button/mechanism
- While holding the override depressed, move the shifter out of Park into Neutral
- Release the override once the shifter is in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small covered button or slot immediately to the left of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical override will work without any power. You do not need the ignition on for the override to release the shift lock. The steering wheel will be locked and heavy without power steering assist, but the transmission will mechanically shift to Neutral when the override is properly engaged.