Engine oil dipstick has plastic markers. The metal between the markers represents 2 quarts. Many folks fill no higher than midway between the markers because it seems that oil consumption is greater when the level is close to the upper marker.

Tranny dipstick has notches on one face a couple of inches above the hook at the end. The level should be between the notches with fluid around 180*F (too hot to keep your fingers pressed on the wet part of the dipstick) with the engine running. Cold fluid with engine running will read about 1cm below the low mark. There is entirely too much fluid if it's up at the Z section with the engine running!

The Haynes manual for the 300D series is adequate for most mechanical maintenance on your car. Get the factory service manual if you need more. It's available on paper from sources like books4cars.com, eBay and the parts forum. Also on CD from MBUSA with bootlegs on eBay.

Sixto
87 300D