This is the correct item for your car. That is the correct dipstick for your W124. You have a car that was designed in the "Engineered like no other car" generation. i.e. before the marketing department too control.

For later models , M.B. and the marketing department decided that removing the transmission and oil checking dipsticks would confuse the average owner and cause them to attend the MB stealership to get their fluid levels checked. A marketing coup. The stealership can then charge "M.B. pricing levels" for servicing - e.g. fluid changes etc.

The M.B. stealerships in my area charge a minimum for either an "A" or "B" service. e.g. for my W209 CLK240 the "A" service charge is a set amount - i.e. $ 960.00 plus consumables. A "B" service set charge is more than that again.

In my area market. For regular M.B. customers who change out their cars every few years I can tell you that they pay way under the RRP for their new car. The Stealerships make up for this discount with the routine service charges.

Removing the dipsticks has made it a little bit harder for DIY-selfers and Indie specialists.

Well, that's good to hear. Thanks so much for the response.

Now, I see earlier in this thread (post #4) an image of a gauge that show ATF levels at Temp = 25C & 80C, with the range for 25C being 1-2cm from the floor of the tranny pan and with the range for 80C being 5.5-6.5cm from the floor of the tranny pan. My OEM dipstick does NOT have such markings, it merely has a fluid range of acceptability. So, am I okay just making sure that the ATF level are within this range of acceptability at operating temp (80C), or should I mark-off the 5.5-6.5cm level on my OEM dipstick to make sure fluid levels are high enough at operating temp?

P.S. "Stealership".... that's very funny, hadn't heard that one before ;)

No, you shouldn't make any additional marks on your dip stick. The tool in the picture is specifically for the 722 transmissions, which your '89 doesn't have. Your transmission uses standard ATF, but the 722 is an electronic transmission that requires a very specific ATF made specifically for the 722 electronic transmission.

All you have to with your '89 is make sure the fluid level is between the two marks when the transmission is at normal operating temperature with the engine running.

No, you are correct, continue as usual for your car. The car in question here is one of the newer models, which had that dipstick removed.

Thanks for the input.

This thread really threw me a knuckle ball that pushed me back into my seat. Checked the ATF level with the information from this thread now in tow, and everything is a-ok!

:)

Thanks Parrot of Doom
 

I just want to thank you for the pictures of the dip stick.
Machester United Fan..?
Just a though

Thanks

Pedrodiesel

I installed the same amount of fresh transmission fluid in my 1997 E300d with 5 speed electronic transmission as I removed and the level on the Mercedes OEM dipstick reads abit over 25 degrees after driving the car for 30 minutes and 10 miles in 80 degree weather. Should I add to the 80 degree mark?

ANYONE?

If it were me and:

1) with engine running
2) temp of ATF is hopefully around 80C
3) Using the Mercedes dipstick as in the pictures

I would slowly add until level is within the 80C marks.

It usually takes me several tries to get a good consistent repeatable reading.

A question to the forum, generally driving around a bit will get the ATF temp close enough to 80C for this measurement?

Thanks

No. The tool being described is for 722.6xx 5 speed electronic transmissions which were introduced in the late 90s.

You forgot to mention that the car must be on level ground which is very important. You can check by placing a carpenter's level on the door sill.

Also the temperature must be at least 80C when measured or drive the car for 15-20 mins at highway speeds to get to maximum operating temperature.