No start in park
 

Recently my shifter has gotten sloppy in my 420sel. What I mean is that I can shift it into D and all is well, but if I drop it into 3 and back into D, it really wont engage in D unless I shift it to N first. I figure I have some bushings that need replacing. Now on occasion, say 1 out of 3 times when I go to start the car it will not start in park, but it will in neutral. Im not sure if thats still a bushing problem or a NSS.

Shift link bushing...
The shift gate stops the lever from moving the NSS all the way into contact position b/c of bushing wear..[ can't get full throw from linkage]

http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=21H0MN3YU24P0SESWY&year=1988&make=MB&model=420-SEL-001&category=J&part=Shift+Lever+Bushing

Wha exactly is a bellcrank? Is this accesible from the cabin or do I have to go underneath the car?

Under the car ..just follow the shift lever from the NSS to the pivot lever ] bellcrank] ..the bushings are right there..simple, low $$$ job.

Thanks. I will order my bushings and soon learn something new.

Yes, Just order them b/c that is a common wear part, so I am confident that is your problem
When you get them, just have somone on top shifting the lever a little back/forth while you are down there w/droplight..you will see the slop right of.........
The NSS has provisions for rotational adjustment, but with bad bushings, that is seldom needed b/c the new bushes put the levers back to original positions.