w210 e320 atf fluid confusing level

Smaltze

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Ive been trying to work out my atf level. i bought an ebay dipstick but its not got set level marks on it. pic is attached.
26996300_10157196008860031_1801017959_n.jpg


The numbers on it are every 5mm, starting from 1 which is at 10mm. I measured it cold and it was at the red line. I just measured it today after driving 200 miles and it was around the green line, it wasnt a clear marking but roughly there. a few days ago i measured it at full operating temp after about a 20 min drive and it was at more or less at number 1. these were all done with the car on and in park straight away after driving, and done a few times to confirm.

the car drives mostly fine, doesnt feel clunky atall but ive had this long term slipping feeling problem at 2700 rpm under acceleration and im wondering whether i messed up when changing the atf fluid a way back.

i assume the fluid is pretty low but i dont know where its meant to be, and if it does need some how much will i need to buy to top it up.
cheers guys
 

alexanderfoti

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Are you measuring with the engine running and in park on flat ground?
 

om613

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At full operating temp. after a long drive (80 C), it should be around the '10' mark.
 

DREAMER NO2

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You need some one thats done this, and then you can mark yours d/s the same ..Also make sure it fixed on to the metal part .Because the part with the markings on have been known to come off and then drop down in to the auto box .
 

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Just checked my guage , the "hot " level midpoint on your scale is at number 11 . The range when hot extends from 10-12 .
As above , engine running in Park on level ground .
Fuchs ATF 4134 is good value on eBay .
 
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Smaltze

Smaltze

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Just checked my guage , the "hot " level midpoint on your scale is at number 11 . The range when hot extends from 10-12 .
As above , engine running in Park on level ground .
Fuchs ATF 4134 is good value on eBay .

****, thats means im super low. ill check for leaks etc also.

How much do you think ill need to top up? cheers
 

Wighty

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****, thats means im super low. ill check for leaks etc also.

How much do you think ill need to top up? cheers
That's a tough one , the sump carries about 3.5L but I'm not sure how close to the bottom the dipstick goes . If the level is that low have you got a leak that needs repairing first ? Is it worth changing the filter and the remaining sump ATF ( buying 4L of Fuchs from eBay ) rather than adding up to 2 Liters to get the level right and then deciding to get it all changed anyway .
 

umblecumbuz

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Your top up decision must depend on when the atf and filter were last changed.

If you know that this job was done less than, say, 30k miles ago, then topping up makes sense.

If more than 40k miles, it's due for an atf and filter change anyway.
 

Wighty

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Your top up decision must depend on when the atf and filter were last changed.

If you know that this job was done less than, say, 30k miles ago, then topping up makes sense.

If more than 40k miles, it's due for an atf and filter change anyway.
That's what I was trying to say (didn't quite get there :D )
 
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Smaltze

Smaltze

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I changed it myself something like 10k miles ago and im sure i didnt put enough back in thinking about it! i did measure but i probably did it wrong and rushed it. I havnt really felt any problems with it since that were bad enough to look into because im lazy...

I will buy some atf and top up, whats the process of topping up. add a bit, drive and check the level? can i pour it straight from the bottle into op temp fluid and then measure or does the new fluid need time to warm up too etc.
 

Wighty

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I changed it myself something like 10k miles ago and im sure i didnt put enough back in thinking about it! i did measure but i probably did it wrong and rushed it. I havnt really felt any problems with it since that were bad enough to look into because im lazy...

I will buy some atf and top up, whats the process of topping up. add a bit, drive and check the level? can i pour it straight from the bottle into op temp fluid and then measure or does the new fluid need time to warm up too etc.
If the oil is hot after a run adding a bit every few mins and rechecking it will be ok . If you add say 500ml first then you will see how far up the dipstick it moves the level , that should let you guess what the total to add should be .
 

Wighty

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Maybe spend less time working out , more time playing with the car :D
 
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Smaltze

Smaltze

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haha, I made my picture Arny as that is what i have named the car :D. thx for the help all!
 
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Smaltze

Smaltze

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managed to find a half full bottle and put about 600ml in and its brought it up to around 8 on the marker. so going to order another 1l bottle and try and get it perfect.
 


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