🚨 2001 Mercedes-Benz S320 CDI W220: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 S320 CDI (W220) features a center-console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake light switch and ignition.
✓ 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to position 2 (ON) if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override: on the W220, look for a small rectangular plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off the plastic cap.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the selector to neutral.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console; exact position may vary slightly but is adjacent to the shifter mechanism.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Access the override slot, press down with a tool, and shift to neutral without the ignition on. Note that the W220 has an electronic steering lock that will remain engaged with no power; you may need to briefly jump-start the vehicle to release the steering lock before the vehicle can be moved under its own wheels. For flatbed loading with locked steering, load from the rear or ensure steering is centered.