Danny,
Thanks but been there. Done that. Everything you wrote is standard procedure. The missing item from what you wrote is back to my question . . . when you pull the dipstick and compare the fluid clinging to the two flat sides, have you ever noticed if it is higher on one side than the other? This was my observation after repeated attempts to check the level. Careful examination did show that on the side where the level appeared to be higher, there were actually small, non-coated areas. Seeing these made believe it was picking the fluid up either from the tube as fluid was draining back from the stick being withdrawn or something similar. So, I had several "false" readings when trying to check the fluid. Be it a result of my carelessness or lack of familiarity with the MB, I could have cost myself a transmission if I had not discovered this. If others have found the same with their vehicles I thought it might be worth mentioning so others wouldn't make the same mistake I did. Thanks for your opinion.

__________________
Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.