On mine, it tilts back up to where it was as soon as I put it in drive.

How about this - maybe you kept the switch in the driver's position so long that dirt and grime worked its way into the console switch. Maybe exercise the switch many times between driver's side and pax side to clear any crude out?

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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