1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230K 2.3

Summary:

Great when the sun comes out

Faults:

Troublesome Roof. Constantly plays up.

Gearbox exchanged at 11000 miles

Gearbox Failed again at 22000 miles (out of warranty) Had an awful time with Mercedes aftercare.

Poor on tires.

Interior trim is the worst I have ever had.

Mercedes put some of it right, but just left the rest.

General Comments:

Always wanted a Mercedes, don't anymore!!

Good car let down by awful aftercare.

Not a sports car, but still good to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th January, 2003

8th Dec 2003, 09:20

I read this review with interest. I have an SLK230, also 1999. It has only done 16,000 miles, and the gearbox has failed. I have got Mercedes to pay a large proportion of the parts cost, but the repair will still cost me nearly £4000. I accept the car is nearly 5 years old, but neither 5 years, nor 16,000 miles, seems excessive for a Mercedes gearbox! I too have not found the car to be very reliable, and have had roof trouble too... also the alloy wheels have developed strange marks around the wheel nuts. It's a shame, because I love the car, and I thought buying a Mercedes was a sure way keeping the car out of the repair shop.

1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Compressor 2.3

Summary:

Very poor built quality, and, watch out for Mercedes Dealers

Faults:

The most common problem is the roof. It has a tendency to stick when folding, or worse still, when you try to put it up. According to the main dealer, this is a common problem with the SLK, but only in 'summer'! Apparently the heat affects the sensor controlling the roof.

The interior paint work is paper thin and started to peel after 6,000 miles.

You must also be aware of the usual Mercedes "excessive" front tyre wear. The dealers will refuse to admit this exists, until you talk to other Mercedes owners.

General Comments:

Mercedes built quality is the worst of any car I have ever owned.

I will also give you a word of caution about the Mercedes dealers. Service charges are very reasonable, however, based on my personal experience I can assure you that you will probably pay for the work that is not carried out, or, pay for new part only to discover second hand parts have been used (be careful if the dealer has a second hand car forecourt as well, as you are probably servicing them as well!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th November, 2002

14th Jan 2003, 14:51

I would dispute these comments about build quality.

The build quality and materials on the Mercedes SLK are of a high standard. I have owned VW's, a Vauxhall Calibra and Astra, a Toyota Celica, a Peugeot 406, and 205 GTI plus a Renault 5 (Gordini)!! The only cars that come close to the build quality on the Mercedes SLK are my VW Golf, and my old Toyota Celica.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 2.3 Kompressor

Summary:

Fast, Hardtop and Softop. What more do you want?

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Fantastic car. Just bought it after my previous SLK was flooded on the Isle of Man.

Has a custom interior so no paint chips problems. Entire dashboard is hand-stitched leather and AMG Bodykit, Wheels and Exhaust all around.

I love my car!

Bought from Elite Vehicles on the Isle of Man the first one and the second one. These guys have a the best after sales service you could ask for.

You don't need power in this car. Everything about it is a Merc. Treat it the respect it deserves and it will reward you for years to come. Had Mercs in the family for years and still can't justify getting anything else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2002

1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor

Summary:

Brilliant roof, not a sports car

Faults:

Odd intermittent electrical faults.

General Comments:

It's more like a small saloon than a sports car. The automatic gearbox and the drive by wire throttle make it very unresponsive. Once it has responded it is OK.

The roof is good, the car is significantly quieter than a convertible on the motorway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th January, 2001

7th Aug 2002, 11:02

I have driven both the automatic and the manual transmission SLK 230 and found the automatic to be a dog compared to the manual... if you were looking for a sports car you should have chosen the more sporty option. It makes a world of a difference.

8th Sep 2002, 13:30

If you've got the steptronic box in an auto car you can drive it like a geared car and its very responsive in this mode!