try starting the car with the shifter in slightly "off" position. push hard on the shifter or pull it back slightly from the P or N position. if it starts, then you have your culprit.

honestly, i have not changed one in a MB before, I've done it multiple times on Volvos.

Sorry man, someone here will chime in on the PNP.

__________________
Ben
1987 190d 2.5Turbo