Automatic. When put in "D" the car acts like it's in nuetral, however if I move the shifter ever so slightly downward toward3rd gear it goes into drive. When in drive, there's a light and constant scrapping sound directly below the shifter.

Any ideas?

Right now I'm thinking it needs new shifter bushings, but really don't want to drop the transmission without knowing.

 

Is this the new 190E you just purchased that was sitting in storage? If it was sitting long that could have an effect on the transmission.

 

Yes it is.

perhaps when I change the tranny fluid and filter it'll be different?

 

I would say do that first before you start getting into the big stuff. That could just be it. good luck