I have a starting issue with 2 symptoms. Before I start, I tried to search the forums for historical posts, but I don't think I know what to search for.

symptom 1: Turn key to start car: electrical dashboard and seatbelt buzzer work fine, but no engine turnover at all. Solution is to shift into any gear, then back to 'park'. Then reset the key and proceed to start car.

symptom 2: I just noticed this today. Turn key to start car: engine turns over briefly, then abruptly stops simulating symptom 1. Solution is to shift into any gear then back into park, reset the key, and start over.

Weird, eh? Figured I'd put it at the alter of the MB Gods.

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Bernard
Dallas, TX
89' 300SEL 228K
01' E320 48k

neutral safety switch (at transmission linkage) needs adjusting, repairing or replacement.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

Bernard,
If I'm understanding your post, it sounds like the neutral sfety switch on the left side of the tranny is failing. If you have to move the gearshift around to get it to start, the problem is in the neutral safety switch.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

Check to see if the simple act of trying to place it further into Park, without shifting does the trick. Could also be shift rod bushings.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Will it start in neutral reliably and consistently?

If so, neutral safety switch is bad, as others have said.

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

I've had a similar experience with my 84 300SD. After replacing the Neutral Saftey Switch and all linkage bushings. It still didnt solve the problem. Then I searched deeper and it turned out to be the Ignition Housing (pictured below).

At the rear of the igniton housing is a key like pin that turns the igntion switch (also pictured below). The key/pin in the ignition housing breaks and will not successfully turn the igntion switch to start position everytime.

Eventually it had got so bad I had to turn igntion to start position then touch 2 wires together for car to start. If this turns out to be your problem contact me for further info.

David

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1981 300SD 351,000
1984 300SD 360,000
1990 300SEL