97 SL320 your correct sir!!! Shortly after posting my question ,I followed a vacuum line which ducked underneath the alternator. I went underneath the car, removed the protective cover and found it. It appears to be attached by three (possibly 10mm) bolts. It is located on the front passenger side of the motor underneath the alternator and it is electric powered not belt driven.

As for the relay, I opened the box but I spotted at least eight (40) amp fuses. I wanted to replace this first before I buy a 400 dollar part. Problem is, not sure which fuse belongs to the pump. Do you have any ideas?

CARQUEST had the cheapest refurbished air intake (smog pump). Price is 377. More to follow ill keep this updated in the next week.

Thanks again for you help.