2003 CLK 320 Tranny Release from Park Problem
 

Today, when we started our 2003 CLK 320, it was extremely hard to get the transmission to move out of Park. The car was parked on a sloping driveway and we thought there may have been pressure on the drive line from the slope that caused the problem. After struggling and pulling hard on the shift lever, the lever went to reverse and all was well. I.e. the car drove properly. We parked, on level ground, put the shift lever in park and had the same problem again. I looked through the posts and didn't see this problem.

Is there any adjustment to make since the lever works properly when not in Park? Any suggesions? Or is everything electronically controlled?

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

#27 on the attached detail is your shifter bushing. Deterioration can cause the linkage to bind up. Is up high on the right (drivers) side of the trans.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=208365&M=112%2E940&GA=722%2E607&CT=GA&cat=23V&SID=27&SGR=095&SGN=09

*edit* Oops, up high on the LEFT hand side which is the drivers side (assuming you are in the USA).

Thanks Terry. We'll take a look at the bushing and post an update.