🚨 2018 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 S65 AMG (W222 generation, mid-cycle refresh) uses a column-mounted electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column.
🧰 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 a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Attempt to provide power to the vehicle: connect jump pack to battery or use jump cables from another vehicle
- If any power is available, turn ignition to ON position (do not start)
- Press brake pedal firmly and push the column stalk up once to select neutral
- If shifter does not respond and minimal power is available, check fuse F87 (50A) in rear SAM module—this powers the transmission control unit
- If no power can be restored, the shift-by-wire system cannot be mechanically overridden
- Without power, the transmission will remain in park—the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with front wheels off the ground or dollied
With zero electrical power
The W222 uses a shift-by-wire system with no mechanical linkage or manual override mechanism. The transmission MUST have electrical power to release from park. If the 12V battery is completely dead and cannot accept even a minimal charge, the parking pawl cannot be released mechanically. Professional towing with front wheels lifted is required—do not attempt to drag the vehicle in park.