Hi I'm new to this site, and the car in question is actually not mine. My friend had a problem with her ML320 she came to a stop and then the car would not move. The engine was still running, no lights light up on dashboard. I tried it today and the engine starts easily, but when you shift the car into any gear it doesn't do anything, not even a jerk when transmission engages. If you step on the gas the rpms go up but the car doesn't move an inch. Also I tried pressing low range button, but it just flashed for few seconds and turned off. What can be the problem. I'm not familiar with Benz. Thank you

 

Like most transmissions today, the ML320 has an electronically controlled transmission with an external transmission controller. It could be an electrical problem, such as a bad controller, or a mechanical problem that caused the transmission to go into "safe mode". The only way to have even a clue is to use an ODB diagnostic tester to download the codes. Find either a dealer or a reliable shop that deals with Mercedes. I used to manage a trasmission shop (for a little over a year) and would never allow someone to rebuild my ML transmission. A remanufactured transmission (AKA good as new) can be obtained for $2,100 and thenm installed bt said reliable shop.

 

I have the same problem with my 99 c-230 . when i first start car it will move about 100 feet then will go to neutral, then i turn off the car and restart and car goes again. tried all gears reverse, drive all go then go to neutral. car also makes whinig sound please help. i suspect something electrical.

 

It sounds more like the throttle position sensor or throttle actuator. When I removed a fuse the engine was running and it shorted out my actuator. I would check these before doing anything to the tranny.