I'm considering a 1999 s320. Edmunds says it has a limited slip differential, but I couldn't confirm this at mb.com. Did the 99 S320 come with this differential or was it even an option?

Todd

__________________
07 E350 4Matic wagon, 06 S430 4Matic, 99 SLK 230
retired W210 (x3), W124, W126

I think its safe to assume that it has (at least) a limited slip diff....or traction control or something along those lines.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Floor it and see if you get two nice strips.

Have you driven it in the snow? You should be able to feel if its a limited slip or not.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

NO limited slip!!! The only W140 chassis (USA) that had anything like limited slip was the 1995 S320's & the S350's that had ASD (Automatic Sperry Differential).

When there is a traction system, it is too hard to use electronics & LSD's.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Yeah so they suck in the snow. Locking rears are nice on steep hills, but I guess thats why they have 4matic.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Good info MBDoc - thanks. I live in northest PA and am spoiled by the 4matic w/limited slip. Winter traction is a concern and my old 126 did not do well in the snow. The car I'm looking at is low mileage (<35k) beauty, but currently way over priced.

__________________
07 E350 4Matic wagon, 06 S430 4Matic, 99 SLK 230
retired W210 (x3), W124, W126

All the W140 gassers had optional ASR, which is electronic traction control. Some models have this standard. Look for a yellow/orange warning triangle in the middle of the speedometer. These cars have an open diff, but simulate limited-slip via electronics.

The W140 diesel had optional ASD, which is limited-slip plus a hydrualic lockup function. Totally different system than ASR. So to answer your question, yes, I believe it was an option, and it's called ASR... and you can tell by obtaining a photo of the speedometer.

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!