first whether you check it warm or cold the engine must be running.second it's possible that you have the wrong dipstick.to answer your first question there is a breather on top of the trans that will leak fluid if it is severely overfilled.

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David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
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