1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor from North America - Comments

I think it's funny that the people who have a bad experience with one model from a manufacturer say that the entire company sucks. I have owned a number of high end cars, and still own many of them currently. My SLK is my commuter, and you have to TAKE CARE OF IT, be PREVENTATIVE rather than driving it into the ground and then complaining that things are broken because you don't inspect for leaks, especially when you aren't the first owner. People like that give bad reputations to good companies.

As far as my SLK goes, I have replaced the MAF, AIV, and coils for preventative measures. I have replaced my suspension cause it was starting to leak after 193k, pretty impressive, my GT2 started to leak after 24k.

I have an 99 SLK 230 that keeps blowing fuses related to the dash lights and the right tail light. The tail light is good, but when I replace the fuse, then the fog and marker lights will not go off unless you pull the fuse. I also have never seen the lights where the A/C controls are those two circles that are supposed to light up.

Any help would be appreciated, I am out of money on this car. My email is beandog7@yahoo.com. Thanks for reading.

I have a 1998 SKL230. I have spent less on this car than any other car I have owned. (35). When I got the car it had 50M on it, and now after driving to 135M I have only spent $1500 on dealer repairS.

Blown transmission Cooling line, that took out the alternator.

The radio just went, but you can find one on the Internet for about 150 dollars.

Always Mobil One. And I have it change at Sears for $75. That's $40 less than the dealer and I stand there and look at them do the work. If I had a lift I could do it myself.

Top works fine. But the dash will peel after a while. The dealers use these guys called Mr Vinyl. Makes The dash look like new. I figure the SLK good for 200M or more.

One more thing; If you have a sealed transmission, or not, get the trans. fluid changed every 40m and it will last longer. Even if the dealer says it's sealed, it still can be changed. Good luck.

I'm thinking about buying a Mercedes SLK 320 or 230 for around 10k. I've had a Chevy Blazer for awhile and I just keep sinking money into it. I'm a college student and I'm trying to purchase something that will last me awhile. Does anyone have any recommendations? Anything I should look for when buying one?

How do these cars handle in the winter? (NYS)

Thanks!

You could also email me at wyleszj@clarkson.edu

Zach.

Good job "RN" and I'll bet you're right on both counts.

Well said indeed Steve Tay!!

My prob is a 1999 SLK230 and check engine light won't go out. Dealer and a few shops seem to get it out for about 30 minutes or so, but then right back on.

Recent service has AC, AT, and repair about 5 years ago for the dreaded rear end collision. Top is OK though... oddly enough.

I have tossed a few ideas at Dad (his car) from ECU reset - to a bad MAF sensor... but I can't run diagnostics from 2000 miles away.

Any info would be a help... thanks guys! pjl1775@msn.com

The most common problem regarding gauges and fuel delivery problem for 1997-2000 230SLK is the K40 relay module located near the firewall passenger side inside the black box with an orange 40 fuse and a bunch of blue 15 fuses. The part is around $150-$160 dollars and takes 5 minutes to replace.

I have been driving my '99 230 SLK Sport 5 speed for 7 years (one of four cars in the stable) and I love it more every day! Bought it used with 31,000 miles and just hit 87,000 miles. I have never been to a dealership and do my own work. Parts are easy to find and not too pricey and the car is dead simple to work on. I have dealt with most of the issues common to the model before they became problems. Keeping on top of the upkeep is the key, as with any car out there. Honestly, the top down enjoyment and amazing handling makes the car worth any trouble. Nearly limitless grip!

I have owned a 1998 SLK Benz. Bought it new in 1998. The local Benz dealer has been servicing it all along, until one day, a couple of years ago I found them to be ripping me off on everything one can think of. It took me that long to figure out.

The car is nice, runs well, but watch the engine light. Each time it went on, the Benz dealer did this and that for a miserly $1,000.00 or so. I changed to a local guy who works on this sort of cars. When he worked on the engine light, it cost me $40 and never went on again for 2 years. This time he replace the gas cap, at 15 bucks. He says it isn't a Benz one, but it'll work just the same. the benz gas cap: $75.00. He services everything now, oil change and all: THAT NEEDS DONE EVERY SO OFTEN, ACCORDING TO THE BENZ SERVICING BOOK. Screw the Benz Dealers! jcgarofoli@aol.com

Considering buying a 1999 SLK with 35000 miles. I'd like to ask everyone, not knowing much about benz, and comments here were good, I'm even more confused. But has anyone had any real problems with their SLK?

I bought a black 1999 SLK230 with the charcoal gray interior in September 2007 with just 26K one owner miles on the odometer. The private seller was asking $19,900 for it, but was desperate to sell (the wife was expecting) and I got it for a steal at $17,200 which was the NADA price at the time! I "LOVE" this car, and at 10 years old it is still one heck of a head turner, most people think it's only a couple of years old. Have not had any major repairs whatsoever with it, now at 38k. Just oil changes, tires, and just had the "B" oil change/maintenance done at a Mercedes Benz certified shop for $395.00.

It is recommended to have the A and B service alternated every 10K to 12k miles. The A service check is a bit less than B, but for around $600 a year will keep your SLK in tip top shape and save you a lot in the long run!

I do not use my local MB dealership, if you can find a small privately owned certified MB shop, it's much cheaper in the long run, and they are way more honest than any MB dealership will be.

The only problem that has come up recently is the left rear window is stuck in the up position when I lower the top. I was told the power lift track needed replacing at a cost of $600.00. I can live with that small window staying up when the top is down for the time being.

Overall the best car I've ever owned in my thirty six years of driving! When purchasing one of these, make sure there are past maintenance records with the car. Any MB owner that has taken good care of it will usually have all these saved, if not, keep looking, and always have a MB certified mechanic inspection before purchasing.

My99SLK230@aol.com