What's up guys, please help me if you see this.

I recently got an 04 E320 and I love the car. 156,000 miles and I have already done a good bit of work to it but I am starting to have concerns about the transmission and I need advice.

It shifts harder harder than usual and when I come to a full stop when I first drive it In the day it will have little to no response on my first attempt at the gas pedal. It's almost like it doesn't grab/engage. This also happens randomly at full stops.

Additionally, sometimes when I come to a stop at a light or a stop sign, the car will lightly buck itself and I can feel movement while I'm on the brakes as if it is trying to drive forward. This is an oscillating motion as well, it jerks and stops jerks and stops.

I get a very light clunking noise middle of the car to rear of the car and I get a rapid light tapping noise when i first start it up and it is worse when I engage reverse.

A few problems I know but it is not suspension related apparently with the odd noises as I just got an alignment.

I have no clue when the trans was last serviced or if this could also be a driveline issue. I am likely going to change the fluid asap.

This is worse in sport mode and i have airmatic suspension.

Attached is a photo of under the trans where it is married. Is this oil or trans fluid most likely??


Please help!

Recent Repairs:
Control Arms (spring link control arms)
sway links in front
brake hoses in front at caliper
lower ball joints
Arnott rear air bags when I first got the car

Transmission: 722618 04 796279 [transmissionType = GA]