Driving at about 60 mph and start decelerating to turn and the transmission shifted out of gear or to first gear the initial time. I had to pull over, cut the car off completely and then re-start the vehicle for it to shift correctly. Went about a month and it happened again. At first I thought that I had done something, but it started happening more often like once a week and then daily. I was traveling at one time on I-64 and decelerated a bit to go through the hampton tunnel and realized that it happened again as I was accelerating at the end of the tunnel. Once again, I had to pull over, shut the vehicle off and restart it for the transmission to reset. It also happened at traffic lights. One time while my son and I were riding we actually felt the car jolt as it shifted out of the proper gear. The last time it happened I was on busy rt. 29 right at rush hour. I stopped at a light and when the light changed green I stepped on the gas to accelerate and all I could hear was the engine revving. I tried the usual, cutting the vehicle off and restarting it, but this time the transmission didn't reset itself at all and I ended up getting towed to a shop. My car is in the shop now and the transmission is being replaced. The car will go when it happens, but it will not shift from first gear at all. I just looked at a couple sites online and see where at least three other people had this same issue. I also found a tsb (technical service bulletin) on the allworldauto.com website, for transmissions downshifting for the Mercedes Benz E class.

- Amissville, VA, USA

Vehicle purchased new in June 2004. Since then the vehicle has been serviced four times within six months of purchase for the same issue - transmission oil leak. Dealership has stated that leak is related to connector (?) not being long enough and has used another non-manufacturing spec'd connector to resolve matter. Vehicle is also leaking engine oil. On last service it was noted that sweat stains were seen and gasket replaced. As of today - engine oil leak evidence can still be seen. Vehicle is in dangerous state since serious malfunction is imminent. Lemon law action will be taken.

- New Milford, NJ, USA

While driving transmission failed at 300 miles. Dealer stated transmission needed to be replaced. Failure occurred when consumer was crossing lanes to an on coming traffic. As the transmission failed, the gear shifted from first gear to neutral on acceleration and vehicle wouldn't move forward.

- Washington, DC, USA

Engine check light illuminated. Driver put vehicle into driver and it would only go backwards. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer determined the need for a new transmission.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

While driving automatic transmission failed. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repaired the transmission, but did not inform the consumer of the parts that were repaired. Two weeks later, the automatic transmission failed again. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repaired the transmission again, but consumer was concerned about the safety, and did not want to take the vehicle back.

- El Cajon, CA, USA