1995 E300 D (208,000 miles)

Well, I have been experiencing an intermittent problem as of late that makes me feel a little sick when it happens. As I try to accelerate from a dead stop it feels as if there is a gear slipping - which is accompanied by poor acceleration. This doesn't happen all the time, but I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago and just yesterday it happened twice as I was driving. When it does happen, I back off and accelerate real slow until I get into second gear.

My obvious impression is that this is a failing transmission, but where do I need to look first? I don't notice this between any other gears, although shifting does seem a little hard from time to time. I checked the transmission fluid and if anything it seems to be a little high.

Anyway, what's my first move here? I have no real experience in working on transmissions, but there is a first time for everything. Right?

Thanks!

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman

Check the fluid first, always a good step. Do you know if the transmission was cold when doing this, or warmed up after driving for a while?

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I checked the fluid when the engine was warm. I also checked it in both Park and Neutral. Engine was running while I performed the check (although i also shut it down and checked it then, too). In each case I found the level to be higher than the high mark for warm engine levels. If the level is high, it has been so since I bought the car. It has been my intent to change the fluid and filter this summer (since I don't know when this was last performed - but the fluid looks like it needs replaced), but these recent events are making me wonder if there are much larger problems at play.

Should I proceed with a filter and fluid change and see what happens? At the same time, is a clogged filter or high fluid levels going to cause slipping?

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman

Anyone know the normal shift pattern for this transmission? It's the 722.435 in the NA 95 300 D. There is something strange going on here.

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman