Possibly, but not likely..

Try R and see if you have Back-up lamps..if you have start in P and lamps in R, most likely the sw is in adjustment.

What happens to these NSS is they get water in them from the road and in cold weather, the water freezes. stopping contact on the switching points. until the sw warms up.

A test for N adjustment is to hold the key in START position with left hand and move the shifter on each side of N..if it works off N center ,than the adjustment is likely just off a bit.. ..

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A Dalton

Thanks Arthur for another expert reply (to which we all are grateful).

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

You are Welcome.......................................

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A Dalton

I pulled the switch, removed the black lever, and reinsterted it to match the position of the old one. After reinstalling I still do not have normal start in Neutral, and was worried until I read this:

I tried it, and the car started in Neutral, so it appears to be an alignment issue, which I may or may not correct.

Overall, this was not nearly as difficult a repair as I thought it would be. Start to finish required about 30-35 minutes. The key is small tools -- a 1/4" ratchet is essential, with a 2"-3" extension for removing the linkage bolt. All bolts are 10mm.

For easier removal/replacement of the switch's top bolt, the shifter should be in Neutral. For easier removal/replacement of the linkage bolt, the shifter should be in Park.

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black