Interesting point about the running vs. just using park . . . I went back to both manuals and did find reference to driving for at least 10 minutes to bring the fluid up to normal operating temperature. The reason I found your point interesting is that I believe the most accurate reading (both sides of the stick being about the same) was when I had not driven the car but had it at normal operating temperature from idling in the driveway. I am going to check that again to see if it was just a fluke. For what it is worth, I'll post my unscientific findings.
Thanks.

__________________
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.