Auto transmission help
 

I have a 2003 C240 with 45,000 miles. Recently when I accelerate going uphill the car seems to "buck" and shudder slightly. Never happens on level surface. I suspect perhaps trans. fluid is a bit low. M/B dealer in Maui wants $730 to change fluid and filter! I was thinking of getting special dipstick to measure fluid--somewhat concerned about removing plastic lock on filler tube.
Any suggestions?

I will do it for an airplane ticket, I have a condo I can stay at for free. Other than measuring the fluid which you could reasonably estimate from a fluid capacity spec from MB it should not be that difficult. I sure as feck wouldn't pay that much even in Hawaii. I think it has been said the only reason they removed the dipstick is to force a service call.