I just bought an 81 240D a month ago. 203K miles with MB service center history up to 140K miles and it appears it was kept up on after that. It got up to the 130K mile mark in 1988 according to the records so driven very little after that overall. Even has the original Mercedes wrenches.

So it brings me to my question. It's a simple one but I haven't found the answer anywhere. So, do you measure the ATF level while the engine is running in park, in neutral, or cold in either of those two positions? I know some cars require the trans. to be in neutral and running because the torque converter fills up in any gear other than park.

 

I have a 83 240 D and I check the tranny fluid while in park after it has gotten hot. I also change the gears a few times if cold starting.