That stanchion is bad, both contact area have corroded, it's usable after a polish but not going to be silky smooth. What's the other leg like?
Pop the circlips off both legs, and tap from the MCU*/Spring side with a long rod. Though really both 'rods' should just pull out, one with a large cylinder attached**
After that the leftovers can be man handled out
See if the service guides here help at all, the 1996 SL shows what MCU's you should have had. Springs will have been an upgrade later on.
TMB 1998 guide will give an idea of the look of things, a bit newer though.
*
elastomer to you, but there is a difference
**aka the damper... in your previously stuck side.