HI...newbie here. And I did search first for the answer but did not find anything conclusive.
I just received my 1999 SL500 yesterday. It supposedly has had the valve covers just resealed as well as the oil pan. When driving slowly or stopped with the engine running and hvac on..[engine warm] I get a strong smell of burnt oil in the interior. Do not sense it when driving 20mph++. I believe the intake for hvac somewhere near battery so it is probably picking up oil smell from a drip somewhere in the engine compartment [my speculation]??
A QUICK visual inspection does not show evidence of oil on the exhaust manifolds or drips under the car [I have not yet pulled the engine cover nor inspected closely with a flashlight...will do next]
Just thought I ask for a little advice before I proceed with sleuthing...otherwise car is good.
thanks in advance..
Mike

Burn oil smell is cause by oil not on the right side of the engine. Outside versus inside. How it got outside is the question. Could be drips from recent work, if so it should go away soon. If it persists, need to find leak. Look for places near and above exhaust systems. Clean any dirty oily spots and if they return, decide if it's worth fixing.

The car has the M113 engine, correct?

Were the valve covers resealed with genuine MB gaskets? Victor Reinz gaskets are known to be thinner than the genuine ones and develop leaks right after replacement.

My bet is that the car got the VR gaskets.

Yes....I have found a small leak closest to the firewall on drivers side and yes, I think VR gaskets
thanks
Mike