My first Benz was a '61 180b Ponton with a 4 speed column shift. When I had to get tires or some similar service that I couldn't do myself, I had to instruct the service person on how to shift (they could never find reverse) or even start the engine (separate starter button on the dash).
Now I have a '57 DKW and of course 'Miss Daisy' my '60 220S Finnie. Both have 4 speeds on the column but the DKW shift pattern is half-backwards compared to the Benz.
Try switching between 2 different column shifters!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW