More likely than not you need new bushings in the rod that connects the far end of the shift lever with the arm that goes through the neutral start switch into the transmission.

If there's any fore-aft play in the shift lever whatsoever, you need new bushings.

If you have trouble starting, put the shift lever in neutral and move it a little bit forward of backward and you'll probably find a sweet spot that allows you to start.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD