Car is a 1997 S500, problem is the dreaded ASR issue (ASR light with limp home mode) with a twist - it only does this when you first start the car when it is cold or just after a short trip (under 2 miles). I am wondering if it has something to do with the battery as I have had some other strange electrical issues as well - the triangle light that is at the top of the speedometer has come on at least twice but then goes out after a while or with a restart.
I am also having transmission issues (100,000 miles) with it not wanting to upshift or downshift like it used to. I have had the car for 4 years and have not replaced the battery.
BTW, the trans. fluid has not been replaced since I have owned it as the local dealer practically refused to change it but when I bought the car with 72,000 on it, the previous owner had chanced the evaporator, nitrogen spheres, and other costly maintenance items - so I doubt he would have skimped on a trans. service at 70,000.