I am new to this forum as I am the new owner of a 79 450SEL and a 86 420SEL.
A little background....I bought both cars from an uncle and my goal is to do most of the work on these cars on my own to learn and to have some fine automobiles when I am done.

My first issue.....The 420's tranny is sliping in high gear. It simply needs rebuilt. Would someone please suggest a manual that may give me reference to begin this project on my own?

This 420 has 185k on it and I am not sure if the timing chain has been replaced. I need to do this. Any manuals for this project?

Thanks

There is a thread in this forum (may be in the vintage section) that is step by step in how to replace the timing chain and guides. Try the search under timing chain replacement. I am sure it was on a V-8 - there were pictures as well. Lots of hints in doing this project correctly.

Thanks. I found the thread and am working through the material. Any ideas on the tranny????

The MB tranny has quite a few adjustments, you should try to adjust those first before determining that you need a new tranny. My tranny was also slipping, flaring, but after modular adjustment it is working fine for last 25K miles.
Here is you should try first:
1- change oil and filter, if already not replaced.
2- Check for vaccum leaks, since they impact tranny shifts significantly.
3 - Check the vac. modulator on the tranny, on the driver side. Is the vac line connected to it? is it plugged? is there any oil in the vac. line (if there is oil in the vac. modulator need to be change. Try adjusting the modulator.
4. Try to adjust the Bowden cable, This might be your problem, because this adjustment has to do with the shift points and if not adjusted correctly can cause flarring.
5. Last but not least, check for the stuck kickdown switch.

Do a search on the keywords, vac. modulator, bowden cable etc to get more info. There are a lot of threads discussing these extensively.


I hope this helps, keep us posted.
Thanks

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87 420 SEL
Looking for a nice mid 80's MB diesel.
87 BMW 528e (Sold)
99 TOYOTA 4Runner
1989 Honda Accord (Sold)
1988 Honda Accord (Total)

I would do as benz says but first I would do a fliud change first. I would buy a large bottle of Trans-X pump out some old fluid add this stuff drive the car a few hundred miles then drain tranny torque converter and radiator cooler. New filter and gasket then fill with 1-20 ratio of trans-x and fluid. Worked for me and I had worse problems. Now its like new.

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Sold 82 300TD 205K
Sold 85 300SD 310K
85 380 SE 160K Daughters
90 420SEL good Ebay Buy
92 E350 7.3 251K
88 F350 7.3 211K Farm Truck
84 300SD waiting for Engine

Wow great advice. Thanks for the info. I'll try the sugestions and keep my fingers crossed.