SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Park (P) Selector button problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 12:09 AM
  #1  
2Intense's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
SL550
Park (P) Selector button problem

My Park (P) Selector button on the center console behind the shifter is worn and delaminating. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the button/cover itself (the silver piece with the illuminated "P") or do I need to replace the whole button assembly or shifter assembly, etc. ? At this point it's merely aesthetic as the silver material around the "P" is peeling up but it looks like crap. I looked on ebay and haven't been able to find anything.

Anyone familiar with how this thing comes apart and how I go about replacing it? Thanks in advance.
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 03:58 AM
  #2  
rorywquin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 234
From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
Sorry I have no idea but, Wow - I have to be honest, I've never used the Park button - doesn't the car go into P automatically when you switch off? Just wondering why yours is used so much?
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 07:23 AM
  #3  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by rorywquin
Sorry I have no idea but, Wow - I have to be honest, I've never used the Park button - doesn't the car go into P automatically when you switch off? Just wondering why yours is used so much?
On my previous 2017 and current 2019 you have to press the P button after turning the engine off or the car will roll by itself. Otherwise it will go into Park if the drivers door is opened when the engine is turned off. I always have thought this was stupid. The car should go into Park automatically when the engine is turned off. Maybe this is so the SL can be winched on a flat bed tow truck when it breaks! 😊
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 10:47 AM
  #4  
2Intense's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
SL550
Originally Posted by rorywquin
......Just wondering why yours is used so much?.....
I bought the car with 25K mi on it and it was that way when I got it.

The only thing I can find on the Web are the whole assemblies including shifter and if you look closely at these (links below) they have the same delamination or peeling of the silver layer that mine is having...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SL550-2014-...8b56%7Ciid%3A1

https://www.ebay.com/i/174032710841?...SABEgLoB_D_BwE

Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 12:40 PM
  #5  
rorywquin's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 234
From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
I'm going to check what happens on mine. I (usually) keep my foot on the brake until I open the door.....
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 04:57 PM
  #6  
Keon's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
I'm having the same issue, some help would be appreciated.
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 05:12 PM
  #7  
2Intense's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
SL550
On my car when I turn the key off and open the drivers door the vehicle goes into park. That said, the main reason for this post was to figure out how to replace the park selection button behind the shifter which is peeling off much like those in the pictures at the links above.
Reply
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 10:03 PM
  #8  
docsout's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 511
Likes: 115
2023 S Class 2013 SL
Smidgin of scotch tape. Otherwise a new center console.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 12, 2020 | 10:07 PM
  #9  
2Intense's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 29
Likes: 3
SL550
Originally Posted by docsout
Smidgin of scotch tape. Otherwise a new center console.
Uh no, I don’t think so...🙄
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2021 | 04:49 PM
  #10  
MJR2's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Huntington Beach, CA
2014 SL550
Park Selector button problem

I 'm having the same problem. Has anyone found any literature on what do do about it?
Anyone have a part number?
Reply
Old Jun 13, 2021 | 06:31 PM
  #11  
rmorin49's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 521
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I'm curious about my 2015 SL. I do know that my X5 goes into Park when you turn off the engine.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2021 | 12:50 PM
  #12  
Httwhls's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta
2013 SL550 RENNtech ECU / exhaust / intercooler upgraded
I had the same issue - My P button had no silver covering as well as the left side of the silver metal/trim was/appeared ridged. I researched and the only solution I could find was to replace the whole shifter part #231-267-02-00 at a cost of $618.75. Not exactly cheap for sure but if you're OCD like me on stuff like this it was a must.




Reply
Old Jun 14, 2021 | 03:21 PM
  #13  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
One might suggest that driven with the proper attire this would not happen. Could you pass the Grey Poupon please....



Last edited by Utopia Texas; Jun 14, 2021 at 04:10 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2021 | 05:04 PM
  #14  
pmlnnrt's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 100
Likes: 10
Mercedes SL 450
The "P" park button is just a cover for the switch below - A friend of mine bought a new SL - and that space had a duplicate of another switch on that consol - Go to a local dealer - they can easily remove the worn button and order or replace it with a New Cover saying "P" - not a big deal !
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2022 | 03:53 PM
  #15  
Georgecatl's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta burbs
2013 550SL
I recently purchased my 2013 550SL. It has this same issue with the button delamination. It looks like previous owner tried to paint it with something.
I visited M-B dealer today and parts dept. says no button available to order. I would have to purchase entire shifter assembly....ridiculous.

Anybody have a "button source" or solution?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2022 | 05:46 PM
  #16  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,537
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Such is the world of modular component designs. Even cheap cars will require expensive component replacements. That said, eBay maybe your best friend here. I didn't see any in good condition right now but expect this to cost a couple hundred bucks when the right one comes along.. (Part no. 2312670200)
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2022 | 07:33 PM
  #17  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
In the mean time just find some black rectangular stickers and cover the button or use some model paint and paint it.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2022 | 12:16 PM
  #18  
Georgecatl's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta burbs
2013 550SL
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
In the mean time just find some black rectangular stickers and cover the button or use some model paint and paint it.
Do you know if that button will pop off? I don't want to break it, but refinishing may be my only option until I stumble upon a used shifter assembly with a good button.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2022 | 02:54 PM
  #19  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by Georgecatl
Do you know if that button will pop off? I don't want to break it, but refinishing may be my only option until I stumble upon a used shifter assembly with a good button.
I have never tried to take one off as mine have been in great shape. You could mask off around the button with the blue painters tape and then use a small brush with your selected color. Just be sure to not apply so much it drips down the side of the button and gets into the electronics. A soft brush should leave no streaks.

Since the button is rounded at some edges you could apply one strip of the blue painters tape across the whole button and then carefully cut along the edges with a xacto knife or razor blade to remove the tape over the button.

Last edited by Utopia Texas; Feb 8, 2022 at 03:01 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2022 | 10:15 PM
  #20  
crconsulting's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 738
From: Nor-Cal
2020 GLC300 -2014 Sl550 - 1997 SL600
I believe that button can be replaced. Though it may require a horological skillset 🙁 and secret part number. I can’t locate a separate part # for the button.
The whole top cover (with the park button) used to be available separately 2312670088 and 2312670188 though can’t find stock. 😟

You may have better luck looking under the old part number 2312670024 on the shifter.
2312670200 is the newest part number and you may have a tougher time finding the newer part.

Here’s one that the button looks in good shape (though hard to tell from pics)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/20371196719...&mkrid=711-117

I would try to replace just the button/cover (from the eBay shifters) vs replacing a good shifter mechanism (yours) with a used shifter and unknown history.
Good Luck.



Last edited by crconsulting; Feb 8, 2022 at 10:38 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2022 | 08:25 AM
  #21  
spinalator's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 28
From: Hollywood, FL
2017 SL450 2022 GLC300
Utopia Texas, Was this difficult to replace? Did you have to remove the center console? Do you have instructions as to how to remove and replace the unit?

Last edited by spinalator; Feb 9, 2022 at 08:27 AM.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2022 | 09:27 AM
  #22  
rmorin49's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 521
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
On a related note, I assume the deterioration of the Park button is due to repeated use. Isn't it true that the SL will automatically go into Park if the engine is turned off when stopped? Could this be a way to prevent this deterioration?
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2022 | 09:45 AM
  #23  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
No, The parking brake does not automatically apply when the engine is turned off. You either have to press the button or open the door for the parking brake to apply. It’s a really stupid set up. You can turn the engine off and the SL will roll on a hilly street on it own. One does not turn the engine off and automatically open the door right away.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2022 | 11:28 AM
  #24  
hornethandler's Avatar
Senior Member
Veteran: Canadian Forces
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 293
Likes: 153
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2019 SL450; 2023 M850i coupe
Originally Posted by 2Intense
My Park (P) Selector button on the center console behind the shifter is worn and delaminating. Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the button/cover itself (the silver piece with the illuminated "P") or do I need to replace the whole button assembly or shifter assembly, etc. ? At this point it's merely aesthetic as the silver material around the "P" is peeling up but it looks like crap. I looked on ebay and haven't been able to find anything.

Anyone familiar with how this thing comes apart and how I go about replacing it? Thanks in advance.
I just got off the phone with a local engraver. They can cut and engrave (P) onto a piece of sticky backed metal (could be chrome, satin finish etc.) to fit that area. They can also use a colored plastic material that, when engraved, will allow the light to illuminate the “P”. He said it would be around $20.00.
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2022 | 02:58 PM
  #25  
David2244's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 8
From: Land of the Prince Bishops
2013 SL350
This is my first automatic and I have never pressed the "P" button. I use the "Hold" function when out driving and the "Parking Brake" when I switch the engine off or put it away in the garage, am I doing something wrong?
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:03 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE