Also thank u for the clear tube method. Im just confused on how far yo push it in?

I measure the length of the diptick and mark. The top end with a sharpie correct?

You want to measure the stick from where it seats at the top of the pipe to the marks. Transfer those measurements to your nylon tube. I make the marks by branding with a hot knife, as ink really doesn’t stick to nylon. Next time you change fluid, you can verify your measurement by observing how far it extends into the pan (the dipstick enters at the right front corner of the pan, and is visible from below when the pan is removed.)

The correct level on a cold fill is easy on a 722.3 - its 6mm below the lower mark on the stick. you will need to wipe it clean and insert it about 10 times to get a good read.

Make sure the car is level.

If you still need a "straight simple answer" after all of this, look at your owner's manual.

I would also double check that you have the right dip stick. People are creative and you just never know.

Would be crazy to find out that someone at one time swapped out the original dip stick for a non original and not appropriate length dip stick.

Can anyone confirm this cold check method?? The 6mm below bottom tick on the stick when cold??

I'm pretty sure the factory wouldn't put it on there if it were a lie! I'm pretty sure your owners manual will tell you or the FSM. I really think you're overthinking this. Flat level ground, full operating temperature, running. Pull it in and out 10 times and wipe it each time until satisfactory. Check for leaks on the bellhousing, trans cooler lines, trans pan etc if you have to add fluid weekly.

even if it's off a quarter of an ounce, it's not going to hurt your trans! while it's important to check it, if it's really low you're going to know! It will shift harshly.

There is no such thing as a "cold check method" for any car with an automatic transmission. The reason you check it hot is to make sure you have a full oil charge at operating temperature. The oil expands as it heats, but not all oils expand at the same rate, checking hot allows you to have a correct oil fill regardless of what brand transmission fluid is added.

The method to check the level varies from make to make. Some are checked with the engine running, some (like my Honda) are checked at operating temperature, but with the engine OFF. Unusual, but that's how they do it.

If you follow the manufacturer's directions on checking fluids you can be assured you're doing it correctly and your result means something.

There must be an "overthinking" epidemic.

well I do it once or twice for myself. I'm recommending that to him since he seems extremely anxious with the level.

If you follow the instruction of the manufacturer you'll be fine. they didn't put those instructions out so that the mechanics servicing them would destroy a trans.

In 25 years of 722.3 ownership, the "cold fill" procudure has never worked for me. If I use the 6mm low method, the stick will show overfilled when warmed up. Every time.

It worked for me once. I had a trans that shifted hard. I check the level and there wasn't anything on the dipstick. I added a quart of ATF and it was on point at operating temperature. It should be checked when warm though.

I am not very familiar with the OPs car, but the Factory Service Manual for the w115 clearly provides a method to check the tranny fluid level when cold. Please see image from the W115 FSM.

The FSM has a cold-check method because the technician has to have some idea of what the fluid level is when working on the car. The level is always rechecked when hot and adjusted as needed.