'94 S350D has starting problem-help-dirty contact?

[unkl300d]

Hi, my friend's S350D (with recently replaced engine )
has this probem upon turning the ignition on:
dummy lights will all go dim except for the SRS light which stays bright.
The glow plug light does not go on at all.Car won't start.
When he tries it for the second time, no dummy lights go on except the SRS and again the glow plug light does not go on.
The car won't start.
If he wiggles the steering wheel and shifter for 5 minutes or more
or waits an hour thereafter, the car does turn over.

No idea how frequent this problem is.
He suspects the relay at the shifter which prevents the car from starting unless it is in park.
I opined that it might be the glow plug relay (what do I know?? )
Anyway, any opinions out there???

Thanks


He is also looking to re-chrome his rims or buy stock ones I will post this on the wheels section.