Has the transmission every been removed from this car? If so, and I remember correctly what Hans was saying, the dipstick tube holddown bolt is a major pain to remove and re-install if the engine isn't removed. Probably have a bent dipstick tube.

However, the dipstick on my 280 SE is bent and will only fit down the tube in one orientation!

Don't forget that the dipstick is only accurate with the engine and transmission hot and engine running in park.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!