"As for number one, when you say to push the brakes and step on the gas a little to check the trans clutch packs, what will I be looking for if that is the problem? Are there any other symptoms that might relate to this problem?"

Well I have noticed lately that when I engage reverse and push the gas anything harder than lightly, it will sometimes make a POPPING sound and have an "acceleration resistance."

Does this sound like the transmission clutch pack?

Thanks again everyone, and I'm sorry this has gone on so long.

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)