When I was doing internet research prior to buying our SL 500 ... I found this web page that many of you will find interesting.

http://www.mbfans.net/models/sl-class/sl_history.html

It seemed to me that the 1999 SL 500 had recieved the last significant technological improvements. The motor is still in use in the new SL 500 series.

That is why I was happy to buy the 1999 SL 500 that we did in Dec 2002.

 

The V8 in your SL is indeed the same as is used in the R230, I thinkk just the oil sump was changed.