richard, let us know what you find with the dipstic, and yes you can do an oil extract through the dipstick. that is the way we do it and the way the dealer does it also, just to see how much oil was left after extracting i pulled the plug and nothing was there. the amchine i was using has a end that fits directly in the guide tube and seals with a couple of o-rings.
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net