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hello, I've been meaning to join here, but now I have to. i left this morning for work and the car started up just fine, but wouldn't shift out of park.
I just bought this car about 2 or 3 weeks ago, and I know the shift bushings were bad. I've been driving it just fine thinking that I'd get around to replacing the bushings when it warmer outside. I haven't had any issues with the car until probably 2 days ago when my keys got stuck in the ignition. I had spent the following days researching in preparation of fixing this issue, which leads me to believe that the key tumbler is the culprit. I plan on replacing the shift bushings because I know they are bad. I'm at a road block because my car is stuck at the top of my driveway, I'm not sure if I can just replace the ignition lock cylinder with an aftermarket cylinder and key and drive the car at least down the driveway so I can use it. I'm looking for specific answer for the 96 pre facelift e320, a lot of my questions have arisen from the differences in model years. Please help!
A common culprit is a bad brake light switch (which actually has two switches inside). A bad switch will not allow the release of the shift lever.
Do not blindly swap parts in the drive authorization system. You need to research your car; your car should have the FBS 2a drive authorization system. To troubleshoot, you will need STAR to read the status of the system. Perform a search for info pertaining to "DAS Key Authorization system EIS EZV" and variations. It is possible the outer ring that holds the ignition switch in place has loosened; verify it is not.
I'm having trouble finding the release that pertains to my specific car.. as odd as that sounds I haven't been able to find any guides or pictures that look like my car.. I'm positive it's a 96 but the shifter and the console look more like a w124, I'm guessing it was one of the very first in the run. I don't have the "w - s" button like in the picture you linked
Also search for "1996 mercedes e320 shifter stuck in park". Several videos out there.
I've seen the videos, I just can't find one with my car and the specific issue. I don't have a smart key, I have the switchblade, and I'm fairly certain I have the 722.4 trans instead of the 722.6 if that clarifies things. I don’t have the w/s button which means I don’t have that secret hole beneath the “d”. I know it may be coming off as if I haven’t searched, I’m just at a loss because of the inconsistencies between my car and the majority of others.
The 1996 link you sent still isn’t what the inside of my car looks like. I have the switchblade key, no steering controls, 722.4 trans. I believe I have one of the earliest models of the W210.
I’m positive it’s a W210
I’m trying to explain the troubles I’m having with finding instructions for my car. I believe it had the 4 speed 722.4 from the w124 instead of the 722.6 most w210s have.
Your car appears to be chassis code 210.055, engine code 104.995. In 1996 the W210 was manufactured with the four-speed 722.3 and 722.4 with a mid-1996 change to the 722.5 transmission. You can crawl under the car and read the stampings on the transmission body or you could post your VIN and I'll see if I can find some info in the parts catalog. It does appear that we need some old veteran of the mid-90's to step in and assist on this one...
The new parts catalog is both better and worse than the old catalog; I can't find a data card from the new catalog...
WBDJF55F6TJ016598
I’m positive it’s a w210. The issuenim running into is the differences between my 96 and what I assume to be 96.5 and later vehicles. I'm convinced this configuration has to be pretty uncommon due to the lack of information. I'm in the process of taking the shift module out for cleaning and hopefully repair.
don't forget the VIN decoder is at the top of the forum page under TOOLS
anyone else getting a feeling it is a 1995 or 96 Canadian issue?
to the OP: don't you have a manufacturing plate inside the driver's door jamb with info?
Data card below (from https://www.datamb.com/ ). It shows your car has a 722.329 transmission. If you could take plenty of photos of your shift module and post that would help others who find themselves in your situation down the road. Let us know how it works out. Don't forget to replace the brake light switch!
02-04-2019, 12:03 PM
