1991 560SEL
120K
Not ever had any major mechanical problem with engine before.

In early stages of verifying timing chain mishap... can one have a timing chain slip notch or break guide and not lose compression in cylinders? While symptoms allude to timing chain slipping, I am unsure of how much to check compression vs. damaging valve stems in process...is there another way to pull valve covers and check clearances or other help that I am not thinking of?
Car just quit without warning. Verifies that car sparks, has gas to cylinders when pulled plugs, appears TDC matches #1 with rotor position. Hear no clatter or noise in engine. What is next step? Thanks for any help.

If chain jumps a tooth or two you won't necessarily lose compression, but it gets the valve timing off, but it should still run. If it gets off far enough, the valves will hit the pistons and Houston we have a problem. If you're not a hobbyist tech you need help; most likely a new chain and guides. Hope this helps you; I am just filling in until someone more knowledgable speaks up.