1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230slk review from North America
"You can put a dress on a pig, but it's still a pig.."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 61000 miles the transmission leaks, trans line also leaks- parts labor 760.00
alternator died- parts labor 465.00
rear diff. leak- parts labor 863.00
brake fluid flushed, radiator flushed, spark plugs, fuel filter, alternator relay, air filter- parts labor 1300.00
this car has never seen a snowflake. Sits in a climate controled building in the winter. The body is flawless, superior paint job, but the interior has several spots where the paint has worn off; very disappointed in craftsmanship and quality. Dealership pricing is outrageous. I guess if you can afford to buy the car, the dealer won't care what they charge you to fix it. I think I will stick to my Lincoln towncar. 278,000 miles and runs great, and looks good also.
General comments?
The car is fairly quick for a 4 cyld. not impressed with the kompressor. very sluggish. after replacing several sensors that were out of their parameters. the car woke up slightly. all in all, I am very disappointed. This was my first benz and most likely my last.
The plus side of the car: heated seats, nice quality stereo with boise speakers. comfortable to drive, karmann has done a fine job designing the convertible hardtop. fits well, no wind noise, very quiet.
Recommended reviews
| The SLK230 lacks in reliability and comfort |
1996 - SLK SLK230 Kompessor 2.3 Supercharger A great coupe + open air driving machine |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L kompressor Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 61000 miles |
| Previous car | Lincoln Town Car |
| Date of Entry | 3rd October, 2007 |