W124 M103 Gearbox Dipstick Question

[Prof.C.Benz]

Getting my old girl running after long hibernation.

I remember the gearbox being a little slippy between 2 and 3 and was told recently that the box oil level was CRITICAL for normal operation.

So, on inspection the level looks very high at cold. But all videos or pics I find online show 2 levels. One at low temp and one at high temp. Mine only has one mark, with no temp written.

Any advice in checking the level is correct?.

She not "on the road" so can't take her on long drive to warm the box up properly. Will running it at idle be good enough?

Any help greatly appreciated...

 

[optimusprime]

If the stick shows 1 mark its the wrong one for the auto box ..post a picture if you can please
This is how it should look 2marks

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[optimusprime]

And levels

 

[BlackC55]

A high level wont make it slip. It probably has worn clutch plates.

 

[optimusprime]

Dont get poster worried, first lets get the oil level right to start with .And then go from there .

 

[Prof.C.Benz]

It has 2 notches, just like your diagram, but all the vids I've seen show 4 notches. 2 markig the min/max temp at room temp and, 2 marking the min/max at 80°.

Youre picture above is the first time I've seen the same dipstick.

My level is sitting WAY over max at cold.

I'm not with the car at the moment. Won't be for a month or so.

I'll run it up to temp and get another reading and get back to you.

Can you explain what the "10" and "12" lines are on the diagram?

Thnx

 

[optimusprime]

Have no idea.But looks like temperature .But forget those , and do it this way
1) Never ever check the fluid reading with the engine off. It will only give you a false (high) reading.

2) Checking with a cold engine is useless. It will look like it is over filled You must get the car up to full operating temp (about 15-20 minutes driving)

To properly check the level, do this.

1) Drive for at least 15-20 minutes

2) Park on a flat and level surface

3) After putting the car in Park, go through each gear P-R-N-D-3-2-1-2-3-D-N-R-P. Be sure to leave it in each gear for at least 5-10 seconds.

4) LEAVE THE ENGINE RUNNING

5) Check the level with a lint free cloth .
I do this oil check a couple of times to be sure.