c320 tranny shifting problem

[garymand]

2002 c320, ~100k mile, tranny is shifting strange this morning. After coasting down a hill in nuetral, shifted into drive while doing about 15mph. I've donr this many times with no surprises. This morning tranny clutched hard, I continued on to freeway and noticed tranny was in 4th and would not shift up, or down with shift lever sideways toggling. s/w switch would not work. Drove to work, 50 miles in 4th. No other issues. Afraid to pull over or slow to a stop. I had a Ford tranny breakup inswide once.

Close to work, pulled over, tranny lever would not move past nuetral into park. S/W would not change. Pressed break and lever was allowed to go into park. shut off motor. Went into store and got a crusant. Started car, s/w switch worked, tranny worked. Drove rest of 1 mile to work. At noon, ran errend. tranny shifted once or twice normally then stuck in 3rd. pulled over, lever would not go past neutral to park again. tried brake, worked again a;;owing shift lever to go past neutral into park. started motor and car shifter well for rest of errand.

On the way home after work. same issue: after a few good shifts tranny stopped on the way up in 3rd. Did the pull over, brake, restart thing. Tranny did well all the way home 50 miles with a gas stop.
Each time, the electric shifting switches won't work: s/w and the up/down functions.
any ideas?