I am looking at buying a 1990 - 190E 2.6 with 70k, the car has been in a garage for 2 years because they could not get it out of park. They are the original owners and don't need the car or want to spend any money on it. I can have it for $400.00. Any ideas on possible causes.

Low battery voltage to the release solenoid or coffe, coke etc spilled in the shifter area and gummed up the release solenoid. Owners manual should provide instructions to manually release it. Tow truck drivers have to release them manually to tow them sometimes with a dead battery.

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1990 - 190E 2.6 with 70k for $400.00 ? First thing ask them what the heck is wrong with it and why is it so cheap. Do you mean $4,000.00 ? That would be more realistic.

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These cars are not worth a lot of money, althout that has low milage. I have 190e 1990 w/200k miles, body is perfect. Third car. I let is sit a while and had it running today and I have same prblem. I can not get it out of park. Does anyone know if there is an over ride or selenoid to look at. Obviously I am stepping on brake. Maybe electronic signal not getting to trans shifter?

Does the owner's manual have any info on overriding the shift lock?

When in doubt, check there. And if there's something electric, check the fuse box.

I can start the car but can't get it out of park. I am on flat ground. Brake pedal is pressed. I can't find any information on internet on brake shift interlock solenoid. Brake lights work. Is there some kind of overide? Has anyone solved this with a 190e?

Among all the usless gagetry on contemporary cars is a switch activated by the brake pedal that in turn allows power to the solenoid of the release lever on the shifter. I don't know if the W201 has this or not, but I would check into it.

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It won't engage out of park, or you can't move the shifter out of park?

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My thoughts. Senile old people forgot that you had to put your foot on the brake and so it sat.

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this is a simple car, no shift interlock. disconnect the shifter from the trans and try to move both by themselves. could be the shifter is jammed by something in the console or the valve body lockout that activates under pressure is sludged up. it's SUPPOSED to work after drive is selected and the pressure builds after driving above 5-6 mph. keeps from going into reverse at speed accidentally. the 1's i've seen jammed are the 1's that won't let the lockout retract after pressure is reduced, then you can't get into park. pull the pan and filter and the lockout is in the left side, in the front corner. 5 or 6 screws and give it a bath. good luck, chuck.

The shifter will not move out of park after starting. Brake pedal is depressed. I did also notice when turning key off I had trouble taking key out a little bit. Had to turn it hard. Not sure if that is also related to shift gear position.

Thanks Chuck, I will take a look. Are you sure no shift interlock? I thought I seen one on ebay for a 1991 (shift interlock cable) Also text on console to press brake before moving into gear.

The all-knowing eBay sellers list a 1991 shift lock cable.

There's a p/n visible. Maybe helpful?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-w201-190e-Brake-Pedal-Shift-Lock-Cable-1991-/170592184471
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-W201-190E-Shift-Lock-Cable-/170560064990

Another doc says it's a 190E manual and says there's a lock. And since it's on the internet, it must be true and correct!

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/71544369/w201-benz190E-manual4

I would double check any fuses that say "trans" or brake. Maybe swap the brake lights. See if theres something you can maybe jumper the brake pedal?

There's no trailer hitch by any chance? Nobody hacked the wiring for the brake wires?

Ignition switch may be related. Assuming there's a "can't pull the key out unless it's in park" interconnect.

See the third link above (doc stock) and the 4th page. It says 63 of a manual.

i may be wrong. i've replaced a lot of shifter bushings and filters on 201 and 124 cars. if there is a cable from the brake pedal to the trans, i don't remember seeing one or having an issue with any 722.3/4 trans interlock. 722.6 in the later bodies, 202, etc.-yes. i also don't see every mercedes on the road as i work on bmws, volvos and the occassional ferrari. someone who has done nothing but mb would be better. i've searched the wsm and can't find a reference to it. good luck, chuck.