Thanks for the link, Warren! I'll definitely check it out. (Later edit: That's a really great thread, Warren! I really liked it. I am sure I will find it very helpful.)

I know it is advisable to do the timing chain with the engine in the car, and the only reason I was thinking of pulling it was due to the transmission leak. I was just wondering why there seems to be a general opinion that it is fairly difficult to pull the engine. Come to think of it, evacuating the A/C system is a pretty big PITA.

I am just used to working on old American cars, where it is just about as easy to pull the engine as the transmission.

I did also eventually find a link for M116 timing chain replacement on the competitor M-B site, by a different author. I will be comparing your techniques with interest. (Later edit: Both threads are good, but I like yours better, Warren, especially the pictures.)

retro (Bill Crowell)