From my experience there are two absolutes about ATF levels:

- There must be ATF reaching at least the lower portion of the dipstick when cold.

- Never have the ATF level exceed the full mark when the transmission is hot and at normal operating temperature.

Note: At warm/hot engine doesn't mean a fully warmed up transmission.

I noticed a simliar measuring situation with my cars, especially measuring after a long drive when I thought it was fully warmed up. I would then think it needed more ATF and add some only to find it was overfilled when it was acutally warmed up.

It sounds like you are close if not right where it is supposed to be.

Hope this helps,

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)