I had the “sudden acceleration” happen to me in an Audi about 1987. I was a very interesting problem and I reported it to Audi of America. They were very interested in my report (probably especially since I was working for a German Auto Manufacturer at the time).

What happened was I was in a rush and borrowed an Audi sedan from a dealer. I threw it in reverse and when I moved my foot to the brake, the car took off! I was absolutely shocked, found the brake pedal and stopped just short of crashing into several brand new Porsches on the dealer’s lot.

What I immediately realized and later reported was the initial feel of the brake pedal resistance and the gas pedal, were exactly the same. I mistook the gas pedal for the brake pedal since I was not used to their locations on the floor. I also commented on their relative locations to Audi. Since then, Audi and other manufacturers have allowed a little soft initial movement on brake pedals.

It was proven later that this incident was the real cause of the “sudden acceleration”.

Regarding the '99 CLK320, if it were my car I would not drive it until I fixed the problem. Some linkages on some Mercedes are known to bind and stick when not properly serviced. The linkage pivots on balls, like ball joints and when dry and dirty can stick, especially as they get hot and contract.

One important fact: You are in knowledge of driving a dangerous vehicle.

Please use utmost discretion and get it repaired for your own safety, the safety of others and because of the aforementioned liability.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)