I recently purchased a 1998 E300 with 102k miles on it and after some inspection the transmission fluid was BLACK but not burnt. So, after joining this forum and reading the numerous posts on the subject, I concurred that the "722.6's are filled for life" is a crock and changed the fluid & filter myself. I also ordered a new connector plug since that was also recommended on this site and I am very thankful for that since the O-rings on the original had failed completely! When I drained the old fluid (torque convertor and dropped pan) it amounted to a little over 6 liters.

After putting everything back together and adding 6 liters of fluid, I am now at the point of measuring the fluid level with the special dipstick. It seems that I cannot "feel" when it bottoms out because when I push it down the tube until it stops, the fluid level is WAY higher than the 85 degree mark. I am worried that the previous owner may have damaged the stop point in the dipstick tube since the tamper seal was removed when I bought it. I am also assuming that the leaking plug connector is the reason I only drained 6 liters and not the 7.3 or so that others are measuring.

So, the question is, what length of dipstick is inserted in the tube when it bottoms out properly on a '98 E300? I am assuming the tube is a common part for all W210's in '98 and probably '99 so any help from anyone with a matching model is greatly appreciated!

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Scott C.

2006 E320 CDI (120k miles)
FOR SALE: 1998 E300 Turbo Diesel - Black w/Tan Leather - Euro delivery (236k miles)