ArmyNutBuster

2005 E320 CDI RED STOP SIGN ON DASHWithin months of the brake recall 3-4 years ago, I got the RED STOP sign on my dash with all the reduced braking warnings. I circled the block and parked it. After keeping my appointment using our 1993 300D, I checked the CDI and could not replicate the problem.
The dealer said to drive it to them. They diagnosed it as THE brake recall that most of us had been screaming for. After a couple of weeks, the dealer called and said that they could not get repair parts. I told them to let me know when they had them installed and I would return their loaner. After a few more weeks, they said that the company had authorized them to use rebuilt parts and asked me if that would be OK. I told them that was their warranty and call when they had it fixed. My car was ready in about 2 more weeks.
That worked until last year. CDI would not start and growled under the hood near the right front around the brake octopus. I made sure the battery was charged and tried again. Got the RED STOP sign on the dash, and the key would not turn from 0. Since I cannot get it out of park, it is stuck in the driveway. I will not have it skidded on and off a carryback, but it can be towed from the rear.
Before I trust the dealer to 'fix' it again, has anyone else had a similar experience?

MJ50

moved to W211 forum...

gabilaiu

Mine will not start, no signs of life, key will not turn in the ignition, it will not lock or unlock the doors. The car behaves as if the batteries are removed from the car. I hear it may be the rear SAM...
Let me know if you have any luck...

rapidoxidation

There's a park lock manual release located on the top of the transmission, accessed by (IIRC) removing the cup holder. No need to skid it onto a flatbed; just put it in neutral.

Heguli

Pull the shifter consol cover, park override is at the right rear corner of the shifter module.