Just happened today, it is intermittent (if I turn off the car but leave the key in, I can shift to park), so not a constant issue. Any clues?
m0 reilly
From AI:
AI Overview
If your 2007 Mercedes SLK 350 is stuck in Drive or Neutral and refuses to go into Reverse or Park, the most common culprits are worn shift linkage bushings, a failing shifter module, or a broken shift interlock. This can prevent you from removing your key from the ignition. [1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Shift Linkage Bushings
The plastic bushings that connect your gear shift lever to the transmission underneath the vehicle frequently degrade and snap over time. When these break, the physical lever inside your cabin loses connection with the transmission, making it impossible to engage Park or Reverse. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
2. Shifter Assembly/Module Failure
The internal components of the electronic shifter assembly (located beneath the center console) can fail, causing the lever to mechanically jam when you try to pull it backward into Reverse or Park. [1, 2]
3. Shift Interlock Solenoid or Brake Switch
The safety mechanism that prevents you from shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal can malfunction. While this usually locks the car in Park, a broken solenoid or a faulty brake light switch can sometimes freeze the shifter halfway through the gear range. [1, 2, 3, 4]
AI Overview
If your 2007 Mercedes SLK 350 is stuck in Drive or Neutral and refuses to go into Reverse or Park, the most common culprits are worn shift linkage bushings, a failing shifter module, or a broken shift interlock. This can prevent you from removing your key from the ignition. [1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Shift Linkage Bushings
The plastic bushings that connect your gear shift lever to the transmission underneath the vehicle frequently degrade and snap over time. When these break, the physical lever inside your cabin loses connection with the transmission, making it impossible to engage Park or Reverse. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- The Fix: Inspect the shift linkage under the car and replace the damaged bushings. [1]
2. Shifter Assembly/Module Failure
The internal components of the electronic shifter assembly (located beneath the center console) can fail, causing the lever to mechanically jam when you try to pull it backward into Reverse or Park. [1, 2]
- The Fix: Requires removing the center console trim to inspect, repair, or replace the shifter module. [1]
3. Shift Interlock Solenoid or Brake Switch
The safety mechanism that prevents you from shifting out of Park without pressing the brake pedal can malfunction. While this usually locks the car in Park, a broken solenoid or a faulty brake light switch can sometimes freeze the shifter halfway through the gear range. [1, 2, 3, 4]
- The Fix: Check your brake lights and the shift interlock fuse. You can perform a manual shift-lock override (by pressing a pen or screwdriver into the release slot near the shifter) to get the car to a safe location or a local repair shop
It turned out to be the shift module, so looking for ebay item...do these need to be reprogrammed or will a simple relearn do the trick?I was told by my inde that for my year (late '06, but listed as '07 model) just the relearn would do. I found a couple ebay shift modules that are listed as late '06/early '07 for the 350, so not sure how to proceed...
Actually, I opened up the shift module and found that one of the plastic limiter parts had worn out. I modified the design and 3D printed a replacement part. After installing it, the problem was completely solved. In my case, I didn't need to replace the shift module. It only cost me about $30 
.Hope this helps!
![Household hardware Carbon fibers]()
![Household hardware Carbon fibers Tool]()
.Hope this helps!
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