Do I have my transmission broken???

[Helmuth]

Hello specialists,

I was reading threads about rattling here and vibrations there and was always thinking: poor guys - lucky me - I do not have that problem.

Just came home from an about 1000km drive and I have the following problem with my 2002 3.0d automatic:

I drive in 5th gear about 60 km/h and accelerate (very soft). RPM goes to ~1300 and then it starts RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. It is a vibration that is felt by everybody in the car. When I accelerate it stops. It seems to be there only between 1300 - 1500 rpm in 5th gear.

Any idea what that could be? I am really afraid that this could mean my tranny is about to die. NOT GOOD !!!!

Hoping for an expert who says: take it easy - easy fix ........ !?!

Thanks, Helmuth