urbs007

need assistance. 1999 ml320 purchased 1 month ago with 130,000 miles. dont know maintenance history. was cheap ($2,000) and was recommemded by a ml320 owner who also owns a 2006 r-500. made a tranny dipstic and get no reading on stick. vehicle warmed up and level. after warming up i smell what seems to be oil burning . pan is wet. transmission shifts fine, although a little late when cold (20 degrees F) when i bought it, i did an oil change with valvoline synthetic 10-w-30. level remains same after 2 weeks. what do you guys recommend? cannot afford dealer maintenance.