I have a '99 E300DT with 145k miles and a 722.6 transmission that is starting to develop a shifting problem in 1st and 2nd gear. The transmission shifts fine when cold, but after it achieves it operating temperature both down shifting and upshifting are abrupt and jerky. Also after stopping, 1st gear does not want to engage requiring me to push on the accelerator more to get it to move from a stop.

I am the second owner and no indication of a fluid change in the records. Should I start with a fluid and filter change or could there be something more serious? FYI, I have put about 20k miles on this car and has run flawlessly until now.

Thanks very much.

The very first thing that i would do is to carry out a gearbox filter and fluid change...asap.... sounds like the oil level is too low but the oil will be well past its best at 145k so a fluid and filter change will be the best option at this point. Meanwhile, check that the box does'nt have any leaks and dont forget to renew the rubber sump gasket when you have the work done

If you do the work yourself you will need the special dipstick to check the level. (£20 from MB)

Scan all the modules for codes if none are found, then do the transmission service.