The transmission dipstick on my '73 450SE has a set of three markings near the very bottom that look disturbingly like the low, add, full markings one would expect...

However, about 6-8 inches up from these three lines there are a couple angular bends in the stick (and these do not appear to be random or damage) that look more like the actual scale for checking transmission fluid level!!!!!!!!!

Is this a cold level vs. hot level (i.e. check @ operating temp.) situation? I sure do not want to run this tranny low on fluid!

Thanks in advance for your consideration!

p.s. Anybody have the owners manual for this model? I'm also a little confused about the proper placement of the 4 climate control levers to achieve maximum defrost: the pictograph shown at the right of the fan control shows all the levers in the "up" position... Is this correct?

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'91 420 SEL @ 199K, '92 SVX @ 181K, '93 SC400 @ 86K, '93 Kaw ZX-11 @ 30K, '87 F250 @ 181K , 2001 Valkyrie Interstate @ 6K, Y2K Honda NightHawk 250 with 1.5K, '88 420SEL I.@ 179K & the 2nd latest, an '88 420SEL II.@ 210K runnin' parts car, '85 F150 300/NP435

the coorect levels are the actual lines in the stick near the bottom the bends are normal but not used for measuring. to check the level get the car to operating temperature around 80 degrees centigrade. Then with the car on a level surface with engin runing pull the stick clean it put it back in give it a couple of seconds and pull it again the level between the lines is what you look for. sometimes it is hard to read but look carefully you will see a oil marking.
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Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)