I have a 2006 ML500 with 131,000 miles on it. Lately I have noticed that sometimes when I am stopped at a signal light or stop sign the car surges. Even when I have my foot on the brake. It doesn't happen a lot but it does happen. Also the other day when I was making a right turn it surged during the turn until I accelerated out of it. Does anyone know if this is a transmission problem and if you've had this problem how did you fix it and how much did it cost? (I assume an arm and a leg).

 

Sounds like the engine is in the process of cutting out (for whatecver reason) and the ECU is invoking the anti-stall function.

Di dyou notice the revs dropping lower than normal tickover speeds just before it happened?

 

Possible vacuum leak, and or air intake manifold issue (broken connections)

Inspect front of air intake manifold for broken plastic pieces. Check all vacuum hoses etc.

If nothing is obvious you should take it in for a smoke test...

 

Do you have a CEL?