1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 review from North America

Convertible hardtop would not retract (4 times).

Door panels/handles had to be replaced.

Driver's door window went off track (10 times).

Trunk latch button is too hard to push in.

Interior paint comes off almost at a touch.

Radio does not recognize the CD changer.

Radio did not recognize the telephone.

Driver's door window "exploded".

Scratch from the factory on the right rear A-pillar cannot be repaired.

I am now embarrassed by the fact I was stupid enough to buy a Mercedes-Benz. My friends are laughing while they drive their much less expensive cars without any problems, ever. My last car was an exceptional BMW 525i (7 years without any problems). My next car will either be another BMW or a Lexus. I have to have a car I can depend on. Mercedes-Benz certainly doesn't fill that requirement.

The car is actually a nice car when it is not in the shop. Drives nice, gets great gas mileage, and with the top down it's awesome.

The problem is, it has been in for repairs 20 times, for 39 complaints, for 49 service days in 23 months. It knows the way to the garage on its own.

We are filing for arbitration because Mercedes-Benz will not offer a suitable compromise to get us out of this car. We have probably been too nice to this point.