Tailight bulbs out on left side. Dealer replaced sockets at no charge.
We enjoy this car immensely. Great mileage. Good performance. The top is cool also.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th April, 2004
A stylish and elegant car
The AM radio has not performed especially well.
The top had the normal problems with electronics for this year and refused to retract; however, the dealer did fix it.
The paint does chip easily, a fault found by others elsewhere.
I find the car attractive and fast.
The SLK may not have the eternal qualities of deutsche Wertarbeit as in older DB cars (I also own a 1979240D), but it seems more durable than the BMW roadster.
For an open car, it has a very solid feel, even if its ride is a bit choppy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st January, 2003
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.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd August, 2001
Top dollar piece of junk!
Roof leaks on the passenger side.
Accelerator sticks.
Driver's side and passenger side interior paneling coming unglued.
Blown speakers in the rear of the vehicle.
Gasoline leak.
Erratic fuel gauge.
Erratic right turn signal blinker.
Headlight washer jets not retracting into the bumper.
Roof leaks on the driver's side.
This car is reliable for only one thing... getting you to the mechanic. Contrary to what they think Daimler-Chrysler/Mercedes-Benz don't make perfect cars. Sometimes lawyers are a good thing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th January, 2001
Fair points. However, last time I brought my car in for service, my dealer fixed the roof problems and door panel problems you mentioned BEFORE they occurred on my vehicle. I have not had the other problems you mentioned.
In addition to the things you mentioned, I had a problem with the switch in the back that raises the roof.
All of this was fixed for no cost to me.
8th Sep 2002, 13:26
I purchased a 230 Kompressor in March 2002 and after 6 mths I am still very happy with the car. Prior to this I had a C36 AMG which was a beauty, but wore out tyres very quickly! The SLK is quick enough as I can beat most things away from the lights and the stowaway roof is great. The only problems I've had are 1) Boot handle difficult to squeeze at times,2) odd clicks from the driver's window,3) Alarm system is tempramental.
Otherwise a good car!