I have a 2002 ML 320 and I can't get the car out of park without using a pen to trip the override button. Once I am out of park, I can shift back and forth between drive and reverse without using the override. Two days before this started happening, my BAS/ESP light went on and has not turned off. Is this related, and any way to fix either one instead of taking it back to the dealership?

I'm not sure, but does the switch that controls the brake lights also control the shifter release? See if the brake lights work. If not, find it - maybe inside on the brake pedal arm. It may be bad????

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Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Thanks for the response Fred. After searching through the various threads on the ML, I found the problem to be coming from the Brake Light Switch attached to the brake pedal. It was a very easy fix, it took me less than 5 minutes to replace the new switch with the old one. The switch cost me $20 at the local dealership.

Hi there - I have the exact same problem, so can I ask that you elaborate a little on your fix. Intresting that my BAS/ESP light has also come on shortly before this happened. Did you light go off when you made the fix ?
Thanks for our help

Brake Light Switch DIY,
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1166641-ets-bas-warning-light-fix.html?highlight=brake+light+switch

Great thanks !!!

When looking through it was amazing how many other people have had the same problem