shifter problem
 

hi.. i have a question on my 1986 mercedes 300e the shifter wont lock not even with the engine off and keys not in the ignition anyone know how to fix this problem thanks for the help.

* You'll need to clarify/expand the conditions a little.
* Is the problem that the shift lever clicks into PARK but that the parking pawl doesn't lock the transmission, allowing the car to roll on a hill (even though it's "in PARK")?
* Is it that the shift lever can't be pushed far enough to click into PARK (in which case you probably also have cranking problems)?
* Or is it that you can shift through the gears with the key out of the ignition? If it's this one, check the cable that runs between the shift gate and the ignition.

shifter problem
 

ok.. make a long story short the gear shifter moves freely without the parking brake iginition off.

Perhaps try to do additional searching here or on http://www.everythingbenz.com -- I was able to find a couple of helpful posts and a photo DIY the other day with a related problem.