Actually, the tranny on a 400E will hold 8.1 quarts...initial fill is 9+ quarts.

That job's definitely a mess. I've done the job, but I just did my 500E and paid a pro to do it (an MBZ tech that drives a 500E!)since it was relatively cheap (maybe $50 + fluid; I run Redline Synthetic ATF in both of my cars)

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All the best, Michael
500E
300TE