Thank You BobK....I forgot to mention that I have tried moving the shifter around just as you suggested but nothing!

A few years back, I had a similar problem with my 85 190E. The difference here is that the spring load into start engages as normal, on my 190E, as I remeber, the spring load let go just as I had attempted to start upon leaving a gas station. I ended up having to have it towed home. I installed a momentary push button switch under the dash instead of replacing the ignition switch. I may consider doing the same with this car as it seems like there may be the need for dealership intervention with special tools required!