being new to the forum today, i'm learning a lot. i read a post about 560SEL timing chain guides. I assume this would also apply to the 420SEL? when started cold, if the temp outside is chilly, i'll get noise for a few seconds, up to a few minutes. typically slapping the throttle quickly stops it. i went with a lighter weight oil, which helped, but if there's a real fix, i need to do it. I do all my own work, is this a difficult job? not too familiar with working on the Benz yet, always worked on American stuff. Although the benz hasn't required much work, thank god.

what's the year and milage of the car? When was the last time the car had the TC, TC guides and tensioner replaced?

You can do a quick visual check for the chain and top 3 guides condition by removing the valve covers

Replacing the top 3 guides are doable but the bottom 3 are a B!%$&

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1991 420SEL Project Car (Completed and rides beautifully) http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=112321
2000 BMW 740IL
2000 Integra Type R - Track Car - SOLD
2005 S2000 - Track Car
06 C230 Sport
89 560SL

My stepson has an 86 420SEL that had just over 100,000 miles when I bought it. After reading this forum I checked and the guides were broken but thankfully hadn't caused the chain to jump, pieces were stuck between the up and down side of the chain just waiting to do some damage. Roncallo gave me step by step instructions here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=118575&highlight=420sel

I ended up getting an indy to do the work as I couldn't pull the pins using the bolt/washer method. I also had the valve stem seals, timing chain & tensioner replaced at the same time.

Car's in the shop again today, exhaust had a hole in it. Just got a call saying it's plugged somewhere behind the catalytic convertor as well. Nuts, there goes almost another kilo buck!

not sure when or if it has been done. car has 235,000 miles on it now, had 215,000 when i bought it. appears immaculate, i would assume dealer maintained since new.

Pop off a valve cover. If the guides are brownish or cracked get them changed ASAP.