w140 limited slip diff?
 

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

:o