My wife picked up my 99 ML320 from the dealer the other day. Among other items, I had them do the trans service and I suspect it wasn't complete. The bill charged me for 5 qts of trans fluid vice the full 8 qts (7.9) listed in the owners manual. I suspect the 3 qt difference is because they didn't drain the torque converter though I specifically requested it. Gilly, does 3 qts sound about right for the difference?
I'd really be worried if they left the level 3 qts low, of course that aint easy to check without buying the dipsick.