One problem related to automatic transmission has been reported for the 1999 Mercedes Benz CLK430. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was doing around 55 and the road was curving slightly when I suddenly saw a large object in the middle of the road. I could not go to the other lane because a car was right next to me so I slammed on the brakes, I felt abs kicking in and was finally able to go around the object which turned out to be a large cardboard box. At this point is where I encounter my problem, I give the car gas to proceed down the road, the car just revs as if it was in neutral, I look down at my shifter and it is in d. I shift down to lower gears and nothing. Now I'm nervous because I see cars coming to my rear and there is no emergency lane on this road. After 30 seconds of no connection between engine and trans, the trans finally engages and I am able to proceed.