The dipstick is a tool. it can't be left in the tube as it is about two feet longer than the tube. Instead of reading from the top down as most dipsticks do, it reads from the bottom up. in other words it reads how deep the fluid is, from the bottom of the pan.

Many late non servicable transmissions have no provision for dipsticks at all. BMW, VW/Audi, Jag are all without any provision for a dip stick. They all require reading trans temp from the diagnostic computer and then use one mechanism or other to evaluate the fluid level.

The new 722.9 7speed is like the BMW ones with no dipstick provision at all.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician