I have a 1999 automatic E320... for some reason I went to drive it one morning and it never left first gear. I immediately realized what was happening and turned around and headed home. What could be wrong?</P>

 

i have found a similar problem with our E320 as well.. previous day was changing fine, then next would only reluctantly change out of first.</P>


auto fluid is a little on the low side, but not alarmingly so.</P>


any suggestions apart from draining box and doing fluid/filter change?</P>


Cya, Stewart</P>


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<SPAN class=bold>Girltrixta, check the fluid level in the auto box.</SPAN></P>


<SPAN class=bold>our problem occured with the level maybe 3-5mm below the min mark, but suddenly happened after a hot day (like 30-40deg), even though the level had been low for a long time. put in some fresh fluid, problem mostly went away, but would select 1st when starting 'hastily'</SPAN></P>


<SPAN class=bold>a service with fluid and filter change in the gearbox will happen next week. see what difference it makes.</SPAN></P>


<SPAN class=bold>Cya, Stewart</SPAN></P>


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You may have got you gear shifter wet. Very common because the cupholder drips into it. Mercedes wont warranty it either. Very bad design. Shifter cost about 400.00