I just traded my silver blue 1989 560SL that had 80K miles.

Just before I traded it I replaced the tie rods, they will make a clunk sound when turning hard in either direction, and I aligned the front end. I still had sterring play that made it uncomfortable to drive.

Multiple independent shopes suggested that I replace the sterring box at about $750. I was not leaking any oil from the box so it appeared that my seals were fine. I finally found an indepedent that was willing to adjust the sterring box via the adjustment screw. He told me that he wanted the car the night before so that it would not be hot when he worked on it. He told me that the space is very tight and close to the exhaust. So he replaced the adjustment screw and adjusted the sterring. The cost was well worth the $85. I then decided to repace the 30K mile Michelins and set the tire pressure to 28 lbs.

Man what a great ride with the suspension tuned.

I now have a black/black 2000 SL500 rocket ship with 20K miles and a Sport package. What a ride difference. Very positive with the 18"ers.