I've got a '92 240 and in order to engage the shifter I need to pump the brakes. I bought the car from a used car dealer and he alerted me to this - however it's gotten steadily worse to the point where I need to let the car warm up for 20min in the am and pump the brakes continuously for about 5min before I can depress the button on the shifter head.
Ideas?

 

There is a solenoid that will start to stick over time, under the plastic gear selector cover. It can be fixed with spray lubricant.

If you look down there you should also see a yellow lever for a manual (overide) release.