I am so sorry to hear this being no insurance and for a 03 SL500.

I am not from the states and therefore not too sure about warranty claim procedures over there. However as or your question (2), your suspension is controlled by a computer for auto-levelling. When you replace any of the computer, you must have access to the computer in your car to adjust the height, i.e. the gas inside.

Now the million dollar question, is it only MB who can do this? Since you are from the states, I am sure the answer is NO as a lot of indy also have access to the computers MB has that access the car computer. Which shop?? sorry can't help.

cheers and good luck