I have a 1989 300E Mercedes. When motor is started, there is a "whining" noise but the noise stops when I put it in forward gear. When I put the car in gear, it won't move forward. The transmission fluid level is full and does not have a "burned" smell, the fuild appears good. It will go, somewhat, in reverse but barely moves forward. Do you think the transmission is bad or do you think it could be something else, especially with the "whining" noise. please advise & thanks in advance.

The whinig noise sounds like it could be the front pump. Insufficient pump pressure could certainly be the reason the car won't move. The quickest, easiest way to find out is to have the pressure checked. Your transmission has two places where a guage can be connected. One is for checking the system pressure, the other is for checking modulator pressure. Any transmission shop should be able to check this. It only takes a few minutes. Good luck