Does the 1998 SL500 Have...?

[Michael K]

Does the 1998 SL500 have automatic rear-axle level control - Standard (includes hydropneumatic shock absorber)?

Reviewing the R129's model overview, it apears that the SL600 came with it in various forms over the years, but the SL500 had it only in 1998.

Is this correct or just bad inforamtion?

[SLZ]

Not standard. It was optional.

[Michael K]

Is the section describing "automatic rear level control" as standard not accurate?

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/overview/overview_engine.jsp&yearModelCode=98_SL500&class=98_SL&rnav=012345678&subNav=overview&menu=4_6&spec=0&category=2

1998 SL500 Coupe/Roadster $79,900

Select one:

Engine & Drivetrain
Traction Control &
Stability Systems
Chassis
Performance
Dimensions
Exterior Features
Interior Features
Instrumentation
Major Options

Chassis

Front suspension Independent damper strut, antidive geometry and stabilizer bar. Separate gas-pressurized shock absorbers and coil springs.

Rear suspension Independent 5-arm multilink with geometry for antilift, antisquat and alignment control and stabilizer bar. Separate gas-pressurized shock absorbers and coil springs.

Automatic rear-axle level control Standard (includes hydropneumatic shock absorber).

Adaptive Damping System (ADS) Optional ADS automatically selects one of four damping profiles every time a shock absorber changes its direction of travel. ADS includes automatic level control and a driver-selectable sport mode.

Steering Recirculating ball with speed-sensitive power assist and hydraulic damper, 3.2 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.

Wheels Aluminum-alloy 8Jx16H2, 6-hole design.

Tires SBR performance steel-belted radial 255/55R16 100H all-season.

Brakes 2-circuit hydraulic power-assisted. Ventilated front and solid rear discs.

Antilock Braking System (ABS) Standard ABS senses impending wheel lockup under heavy braking and pumps the brakes individually as needed up to 30 times per second to prevent lockup and maintain steering ability.

Brake Assist Upon sensing emergency braking via the speed at which the driver presses the brake pedal, standard Brake Assist immediately applies maximum available power boost, potentially reducing the overall stopping distance by eliminating the delay caused by a common human tendency not to brake hard enough, soon enough. Letting up on the brake pedal releases Brake Assist.

[SLZ]

Not accurate. I have a 1998 SL500 with the AMG Sport Package and I don't have the Automatic Leveling.

[Michael K]

Thanks man. Have you driven the next up model year SL500 with the 113 engine and how would you describe the difference in feeling between the M119 and M113 in the SL500?