how many quarts of transmission fluid does a 1986 300e mercedes take if it is completly empty. because i drained all of it and the dip stick is not giving me an accureate reading even when i keep it running and put it in gear for a few minutes.

Did you drain the converter and the pan? If forget which, but one holds about 3.5 qts. and the other about 3 qts.

With the vehicle on a level surface and the engine cold(having sat overnight). the fluid level on the stick should be about 10mm below the low mark.

After the car has been driven for 15-20 miles, the level should be at the full mark.