Once he popped up the wood, he was done within a minute or so ... I can see the shift handle going down into the boot (not sure if that's what you are talking about). The gear shift handle seems a little sloppy ... not sure if that means anything, or just that I am not used to the feel of that car. I guess, I am not sure what he could have done (for the most part, I see wiring harnesses) ... unless he was THINKING there was an over-ride, or bypass ... like there is on my 2002 E320 (which has the small opening / door in the shifter area). Is there a way he could have moved the shifter from PARK to NEUTRAL, by doing something underneath the wood? I do not see the ability to do anything to linkage. I do not recall if he would have returned the car to its previous condition.

So, does anyone know if a W202 looses battery power ... can the car still be shifted into neutral with key in the ignition, and turned to ON? Like I said, it seems like if this happened on my 2002 E320, the car could not be put into neutral (or roll), unless I engage the bypass.