What is the proper way to check engine oil level. On my '97 E300, when I pull out the dipstick with the engine running, it shows exactly between the minimum and maximum marks. With the engine off, the level is all the way up to the max level.

In my assumption the reasoning behind this "phenomenon", is that the oil is recirculating throughout the rest of the engine instead of the pan. Is this a correct assumption?

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'97 E300
'99 E300