Unknown power steering reservoir (no part number) - 1997 SL500

[Xanzar21]

I'll keep this brief I can't for the life of me after four hours of searching find the specific reservoir for this pump; at this point I'm assuming its year specific and sold as an assembly. That said I would like to "upgrade" to an aftermarket unit as this reservoir is currently MIA. I only need to worry about the return and feed line sizes; probably going to use a mishimoto unit. In case anyone was wondering the reason I'm looking for a reservoir is because I forgot to disconnect the return line before doing the engine mounts. Any help would be greatly appreciated. pictures of the reservoir and assembly in question are attached. The car inquestion is a production year 1997 r129 sl500; thought I'd ask here as quite a few parts are shared and someone here has probably had to do the same since the 90s right? right?

 

[TerryA]

Are you sure the part on the car is an original OE MB pump? I think it should have an MB stamp and part number?

 

[Markus-MD]

Looks like an Normal late Steeringpump.w210 has the same om the 985 Engines.

 

[Xanzar21]

OK did some more digging, it looks like the powersteering pump reservoir mounting holes are the same as the earlier zf pumps. So I ordered one off ebay. It should arrive Tuesday 06/02/2026. Its a gamble but it might pay off!

 

[Xanzar21]

Are you sure the part on the car is an original OE MB pump? I think it should have an MB stamp and part number?

The pump itself is fine and an original mb/zf unit, its the reservoir that doesn't have much information online. There's a post on benzworld that has some of the ZF partnumber visible, the image quality leaves much to be desired. The late w210 has the return line routed in the wrong direction and there doesn't appear to be much room to use it on this .982 setup in the r129. I'll post images and update you guys on how successful i am next week !

 

[Xanzar21]

got the part number for the reservoir after hacking it apart not my best work but here it is : 7691 462 120 . for added information I will also attach the pump parts number: (ZF) 7682 900 511, (mercedes) A 129 466 23 01 it also has a bar rating of 115. photos below. The new(old design) pump should arrive tomorrow 06/04/2026. I will update with info on whether or not this worked as well as part numbers for its respective pieces. Hopefully this info will help someone in the future.

 

[Xanzar21]

OK so an update, the bolt pattern on the 95-97 direct mount reservoir works. However there isn't enough clearance to install it directly on a m119.982 (it might work differently on an earlier m119 with the direct mount). That said i will have to source the remote bracket and reservoir from an earlier model( the one thats famous for leaking from the miniature hose connecting the reservoir to the pump) . I'm in the hole $100 , but thats $100+ someone else won't have to spend later. Anyway i'll post pictures later on Sunday. Went on holiday.

 

[Xanzar21]

Forgot some details, its crucial to note that the reason it will not work is that there isn't enough clearance between the reservoir and the head. That is to say the reservoir will not fit even with the metallic return line equipped. I should also add that I was able to source the reservoir mounting bracket and its required hardline alongside the even older reservoir and requisite filter. Its crazy that this power steering reservoir had a filter and the later model plastic reservoir doesn't.