Guys, I've been having the hardest time checking the fluid level on this car.

#1, what, if any, is the proper way to put the dipstick in? I'm always having to fight it, take it out, turn it 1/4 turn, fight it, take it out, turn it 1/4 turn, then it goes in ok. It's gotta be easier than this.

#2 The fluid level itself. I always check it hot, level, driven a few miles, and running. Last week, I had someone change the fluid and filter. He thought it was properly full, not over, not under. We drove it around the block, checked it, he said it's perfect. Next day, I drove it for about 10 miles, checked it, it was about 1" above the high mark on the dipstick. So I drained about 1/4 of a quart out. I checked it, a few times, it was still 1" above the high mark. Next day, I checked it again. This time it was at the LOW mark on the dipstick. I added back in about 1/4 quart. Now it reads about TWO INCHES above the high mark. What the heck is this????

#3 if it is high, what's the best way to drain some out? Since I replaced the transmission hoses recently, I just disconnected those to let some drain out.

Thanks,

Jeff 1991 300d, 118k