Less traumatic and much less expensive, it could be the bushings in the shift linkage. My 280C had to be put into park rather briskly or it would ratchet till it caught.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120