i have on my persons a 1998 or newer(i believe 2000) shifter from a 5 speed auto E-class. It is the P-R-N-D and then +/- on each side of D and a S/W(summer-winter) switch. Will this adapt to my ML 320? If not what is this worth? Still in MB box.

Must be tricky!:confused:

Aye, matey, tis worthless to ye 98.
The 98 uses a gearshift range recognition switch in conjunction with the trans control module. On the touchshift models, the shifter assembly itself is a control module which reports onto the CAN. The wiring is all different, so no, you can't really use the touchshift module on your 98.
I have replaced a few of these, can't really remember the exact price, I want to say in the 300 to 500 buck range, maybe less for a ML, more for a car. At this time, most MB's with touchshift would be under warranty, so not a heck of alot of demand for one of "questionable" origin, ie not purchased brand new from the dealership.
Gilly