There is an interlock cable to the shifter on this car. No electronic wizardry. Runs through the dash into center console IIRC.

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Prost!

Thanks Himbeiss. Could this also be related to the tough time of removing key. I know I should only be able to take key out in o position only if car is in park.

What steps do you sugest in cheking the interlock cable.

Pat

I dusted off my old manual for the 201 and couldn't find anything on the cable, although it was only up to '88s. I know it was there on my W124, but I can't say how it interacted with the ignition. You should be able to access it once you remove thecenter console wood cover, though.
Also, if you're under the car with wheels blocked, you could disconnect the linkage and shift the tranny into N there, allowing you to verify the
problem is upstairs.
Note that the tumbler will fail on your car anytime after about 100k, and you need to replace it early, while it's turnable, or you make a mountain out of a molehill.

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Just talked to mercdes expert at his business. Said problem most likely underneith. Long rod to transmission. He said jack it up and start with that.