Accidentaly spilled water on the gear shift selector of my 2000 E320. Gear will not shift from park to drive w/o manually unlocking transmission with a pen. Additionally, console will not display gear and vehicle will not run go past 35 mph. Called MB, advised to use hair dryer to dry water out/take to dealer to fix if this doesn't work. Does anyone have experience with this kind of malfunction caused by an ounce of water?

 

YOU ARE LUCKY IT'S WATER. Any other liquid and you may have to spend (I've read as much $13000 for a spilled coke once) a ton!

Let it dryout, it's going to take upwards of two days if your not in a humid area... and see what happens. I am told the shifter has a expensive wiring harness under it, so let's hope it didn't go into that.

This is why I ABSOLUTELY refuse to allow food or drink in my car. I even took the cup holder out.

 

Dealer diagnosed on SDS tester & replaced floor shift assembly for about $1000. As I was waiting to pick up vehicle at dealership, lot attendant could not drive car past 2nd gear. They tell me they have to retest on SDS as new part may not be communicating with on board computer in engine or may have do some electronic resetting. What could be the problem?

 

I hope it's not the transmission harness!

Man, people, take this as a lesson not to drink in your cars! He's lucky it's water, as maybe when it dries he'll be ok, but coke, or coffee would leave permanent residue.

 

2000 E320 would be a W210

 

didn't notice that! Good catch!

go post on the W210 and see if they can help.. totally different interior.