Hello,
My 2003 SL500 w/ 26,000 miles started getting a little stiff when pulling out of park. Then without warning it is now stuck in park. Checked top to make sure its completely up / down foot on brake etc. ?????

 

Have you spilt anything into the shifter? This is a common symtom referred to as "pepsi syndrom"
I would first check the stop lamp switch which has 2 internal switches. One is for the lights, the other for brake shifter interlock. Chances are that it is the shifter itself. The repairs will have to be performed by a dealer or somebody with access to a MB SDS machine to unlock the transport protection of the new unit. You will likely have to have the vehicle towed in unless by chance it will come out of park. I don'tbelieve that there is an accesible emergency park release on this shifter. Sorry for the news.

 

Thank you for your quick reply.

No nothing has been spilt in that area, let along anywhere else. I have checked the stop lamp switch, when the shifter interlock connection is removed from the switch, natually it errors on screen as a "Brake System Malfunction" but reconnected it clears the error and reads fine. I can hear the mechanism inside the shifting gate move as I press on the brake pedal. Additionally while the switch was out I checked the full throw of the plunger without luck.

Thanks anyways.
dhamley

 

Well, I guess you are in need of a shifter. Shouldn't be too bad though in comparison to many mercedes repairs. I think you can get out around $1000 or less for the repair. Remember that dealers can often reduce the repair bill by 10-15% without hastle if you tell them you are pressed on cash and/or have a good service writer.