190 auto gear lever

[Grahamcol]

Hi, considering purchasing my mate's 190 auto (my other post under general gives more details). When I sat in it the other night I noticed there wasn't the lock up on the selector lever like my two class's and it was possible to move the lever from park and into reverse / drive without putting my foot on the brake first. Presumably, therefore, possible to start the car whilst in gear ? It's been that long since I've driven an old 190 auto that I can't remember whether this is normal behaviour or not. Anyone know

 

[Will]

Hi, considering purchasing my mate's 190 auto (my other post under general gives more details). When I sat in it the other night I noticed there wasn't the lock up on the selector lever like my two class's and it was possible to move the lever from park and into reverse / drive without putting my foot on the brake first. Presumably, therefore, possible to start the car whilst in gear ? It's been that long since I've driven an old 190 auto that I can't remember whether this is normal behaviour or not. Anyone know

The older W201s were like this.

I don't think the starter will spin unless it's in park or neutral, but before about MY1989 you could move the lever without the brake switch being operated.

HTH,

Will

 

[Grahamcol]

Thanks Will, that's very helpful.

 

[Will]

FWIW, the later cars with the shift interlock will have a sticker in front of the gear selector mentioning that the brake must be depressed before the lever can be moved

Will

 

[Rob77]

My 1990 auto won't start if the car is in gear.

However, I've never noticed whether it has any such lock on gear selection. I don't think it does.