1997 W202 Shifter / Linkage problem
 

Can anyone tell me what could be the problem? My daughters c230 occasionally will not completely select "D" in the shifter gate (the lever will not be flush with the plastic shifter gate). When this happens, the car may or may not start in first gear. They have described the feeling as the car has no power. On other occasions it has become VERY difficult to select drive or take the transmission out of park.

My hunch is the shift linkage is sticking or sticky. Can anyone provide a clue?