HELP! 97 E320 transmission wont shift out of first

My wife has a 97 E320 fairly standard model. About 6 mos ago she stopped at a store and when she came out, the car would not shift out of first gear. The dash display said Engine Electrical problem and some other problem. Anywho, we took to a MB mechanic, and he said that some small spring in the transmission broke, and he replaced and did std transmission service. $300 and we were out. He said this was a problem common to this model and year, and should have been a mfg defect. (he had seen several cars with same prob)

Problem is this, last night same thing happened again. We will be taking back to the mech, but wondered if anyone ever heard of this...

Thx, Mac

I have a '98 model year e320 wagon that experienced the same problem, would not shift out of first. In my case though, I spilled about a pint of water into the track where the gear selector resides. I drove the car about 10 miles, without the transmission leaving first and then took a break. I let the car sit about 1 hour and prepared my wallet for a trip to the mechanic. When I got back in the car, all seemed to be normal again. I am positive that the transmission shifted properly prior to spilling the water.

Good luck with your issue,

Orlando

I HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO MY e430, DID THE SAME THING AND DROVE IT FOR A MINUTE, THEN TURNED IT OFF FOR AWHILE AND RESTARTED IT, SAME RESULT, STILL STUCK IN FIRST.

You really should post a new thead but here is your answer...The problem that you are most likely having is a speed sensor has gone bad on the electronic plate in the transmission. This is very common on the 722.6 trans. The plate must be replaced and is located above the valve body, it is(was when I was at MB) about 300.00 plus your looking at 2-3 hours labor.

Just got my e430 back from the shop. The problem turn out to be, when I open my sunroof water droped down on to the consel which inturn got in between the cracks and shorted out the floor stick shift which is computer controlled. The whole box had to be replaced.:2cents: