Why does my car ('99 E320 mercedes)start but doesn't move in "drive" or reverse?

Question

I have 1999 mercedes E320. The car start to make a grinding noise on drive. Afterwards, I turned ignition off and restarted the car. The engine sounds normal but the car doesn't drive forward or in reverse. ANy advice?

Update:

I'm afraid to ask but...How much does a transmission replacement cost?

lilboomer25 · Accepted Answer

check the transmission fluid, should be at the full mark on the dipstick and the color should be red. if it is dark or smells burnt it needs changed. call a transmission shop to have it checked. the grinding could have been disastrous.

anywherebuttexas · Answer

Now, lilboome should learn that this model doesn't come with a dipstick. You have to buy one from the dealer, as ridiculous as that sounds. 

Probably not fluid, probably the crummy electronics failing. You're going to have to get this checked out by a pro.

barrbou214 · Answer

transmission problems or the actuator (selenoid) has died. have you tried it in other gears like 2 or 3? if you have and the car still doesn't respond, then it has problems that most diyselfers can't fix.

Why does my car ('99 E320 mercedes)start but doesn't move in "drive" or reverse?

3 Answers