What should the transmission fluid level on the dipstick of a 1985 300SD automatic transmission be when the car has been sitting without being run? (ie. overnight or for a few days).

And, what's the proper way to check the fluid level?
Car in park & running? in neutral & running? How long should you let the car run before taking a reading?

__________________

1980 240D (Mileage Unknown, broken odo say's 160K)
1985 300SD (213K) SOLD

Cold running it should be .2 in below the minimum mark.

Proper method is in park, warm fluid, idling, flat ground. I've started checking mine frequently because it had been leaking. Temp has a big effect and fluid levels vary quite a bit.

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

I've been working on the same car, at first I thought this being a MB it might have a specail way of checking. after shut down (over night) the level is probably close to the first line if not halfway the first and second. To check it is running (warm) in park or in "N" on level ground.

I just change the fluid on mine and got lots of feedback from the forum.

What would the level be at cold, not running?

__________________

1980 240D (Mileage Unknown, broken odo say's 160K)
1985 300SD (213K) SOLD