replaced ATF in 97 E420, but only got out 3.5L
 

I drained the ATF and dropped the pan to replace the AT filter & gasket. I could not locate the torque converter drain plug. Even after dropping the pan, I could only drain about 3.5L of old fluid out.

I ordered 8 qt's of OEM ATF so I'll drive for a week and just replace again w/ new stuff.

BTW, the ATF was NEVER replaced in 9 years and the stuff that came out was NASTY, black & thick. New OEM fluid was translucent red. I might just buy 4 more qt's and repeat 2 more times.

ProV1,

Did you drive your car for a while prior to changing? I was able to get more than 6 quarts out after about 20 minutes driving.

JeffreyP

If you didn't drain the torque converter, that's where the rest of the fluid is at. The TC holds around 1/3 of the system volume.

you need to take a large screwdriver[slot] and use it to turn the t/conv around until you see the plug.it will be a 5mm allen just like the pan drain plug. don't worry murphy's law says you will need to turn it a long way before it appears.