Hi,

I have a problem I hope someone can help me with.  My car is a 1997
E220 Diesel with automatic transmission and 300000 km.  Just this last
week, I experienced twice that the transmission was "stuck" in fifth
gear.  It would not shift down, either with kickdown or shifting it
manually to any of the other gears.  After stopping, it wouldn't go in
reverse, but after putting it in park, it functioned normally again
(all the other gears).  This has only happened twice, but I'm guessing
the problem will get worse.  Does this sound like a mechanical error,
or could it be some kind of electronic error?  I live in Norway, so
changing the transmission would probably cost $8000 (I've heard), so
appreciate any answers that could shed some light (and hopefully save
me some money).
Thanks!