Yes, I can start the engine while it is stuck in P. Now with the "daring" temporary fix by lifting the hook I can shift now. Took the car for a short drive around the block.

My concern is with the fixated cable holding the hook up, what happens when the brake pedal pulls the cable more while the car is running? which is not happening as I can see, but if it happens?

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE