clutch / problem

[oris1]

Hi All Appreciate any help

I have a 1998 w202 Esp manua.l problem is pulled away from the junction yesterday tried to select 2nd gear and was unable to. pulled over to the side of the road and could only select 3rd / 4th / 5th gear not able to select 1st / 2nd /or reverse. this is the same when the engine is off.can any one tel me what is the problem. would this be grearbox / linkage or clutch thanks for your help
Oris1

 

[johnnyb]

If you can't select 1st, 2nd and reverse with the engine turned off this points to a gearbox or linkage/selector problem rather than the clutch.

 

[Sp!ke]

I agree. First thing to check would be slop or adjustment in the gear linkage from the gear lever itself.

A relatively simple job to rule out.