Tila Tequila

Mercedes Benz V class auto transmission gears slipping?

Hi,
We have just purchased a 1998 V class 230 Ambiente van.
The van was driving fine until we took it to exmoor for a few days with the children and ended up having to be towed home 3 days later.It started when we unintentionally ran the van down on petrol and after driving up and down alot of exmoors beautiful but very steep hills (porlock in particular!).First the brake warning light came on, then the car became jerky when accelerating followed shortly after by the gears sticking and finally getting stuck in 4th gear.We brought the van to a stop for a while and then resumed our journey- the van was jerky but ok for a while but then started sticking again.The transmission warning light keeps flashing and then stays on when the gears are at their worst .The transmission oil is full.
We are getting it towed to a garage in the week and are scared that the gearbox has gone. If anyone has any answers or ideas we would be most appreciative,
Thank-you,
Hayley and Mark