Tranny fluid level......

[Homeline]

I'm having trouble determining the correct fluid level in my trannsmission. It's on an '82 500SEC. I have the MB Technical Companion book by Bentley Publishers (GREAT BOOK!!!) and it gives good info on getting the proper fill level on an ambient temp tranny with running engine. My problem is actually reading the dipstick. I can pull the d/s 4 times and get four different readings: fluid near the bottom only, the top only, along one edge , on the side oppisite the min/max stamp.

I think my problem is I'm wanting to find a clear line of demarcation between oil and no oil. Is it supposed to be just a thin line along one edge? I know there is a finite line between min and max level.

I know I have too much ATF in it now, because with the engine running I have a few small bubbles at the tip of the d/s. But at this present level, when I turn the car off and wait a minute, the fluid level is settles just above (with a clear line) where the book says it's supposed to be. Can I accurately get a proper reading doing it this way?