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

I have a 1999 SLK230. The "Check Engine" and other warning lights are on constantly and the dealer's mechanic can't fix the problem. Any suggestions?

I have bought my SLK 230 '98 back in 2006, Summer. SO far the car is in great running condition, but it keeps breaking on me. As soon as I bought it from the e-bay, I got some problem with the fuel pump. I Replaced that for $750. Issue with electric keeps running on and off, such as the passenger window sometimes opens sometimes not. The cigarette lighter fuse keeps blowing off for some reason, I can't figure out WHY. Now I got issue with my cluster/speedometer. Sometimes needles on speedometer work sometimes not, don't know why. A few days ago I opened the door and my lights in dash flashed once and after that, I started my car again and the cluster/speedometer mileage CAME TO ZERO. Just like I bought a NEW SLK: (Any one out there if you encounter with a problem like that let me know what to do. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP SUCKS! THEY ARE HELPLESS! ALL they want is your money for helpless diagnostics. Don't BUY BENZ.

What do you mean, "don't buy a benz"? It sounds like you have a flood damaged car or obviously some type of damaged auto. Did you get a carcheck? Did you test drive it for more than 5 minutes? Did you have the car checked at a MB dealership? Probably not. You bought a Mercedes on Ebay!?!

I just bought a 99 SLK 230, with 30K miles on it, she was a one-owner car from Florida, absolutely perfect condition, about $15K at carmax. I've brought her into a Chicago shop that specializes in German cars, just to have her vitals checked out. The car is perfect, she runs like a champ, one of the most perfectly satisfying driving experiences I've ever had, and I've owned several different "roadsters" over the years. No comparison, I'm smitten with this car, and I'm particular to the 1998 to 2002 model years, they have the softest most understated (but still sporty) profiles of any car ever made. I'm sure this will not be the only 1998-2002 SLK 230 that I own, before I die.

Derek

Chicago, IL.

Let's talk about Benz here. The '98 SLK 230. Wow, what a car; (Just want to say the car may be good but the service for it is unacceptable. I had such a bad experience with dealers and there services. I took my car for diagnostics and they miss diagnosed my problem every single time I go to them. That pushed me to the edge, to fix the car myself. I strongly agree; DON'T PURCHASE ANOTHER BENZ! BENZ SUCKS BIG TIME! Be stupid bye another one and then I'll see your negative posting here too. ENJOY YOUR RIDE ON SMOOTH JAPAN CARS!

First of all let start by saying that I own an american SUV (99 Denali), a Japanese sedan (04 Lexus ES30), and now the German roadster (98 black SLK230).

I've had more than my fair share of headaches with the GMC. From fuel pumps, to steel brake lines, to blown head gaskets, to an intake manifold.

I've owned the Lexus for a year, and no mechanical problems yet except for the electronic controlled transmission that can't make up it's mind when to shift up or down.

As for the SLK, just bought it used in Brooklyn NY from its previous owner in Jersey. I had the car inspected today for the check engine light that was on. The mechanic told me that it was a small emissions leak caused by a bad gas cap. Otherwise, he said that the car looks solid and a good buy.

My SLK is the sexiest car in my vehicle collection. It turns heads where ever I go because of the black exterior, red interior and chrome 18in rims. It's also the most fun to drive.

Had the car for 2 weeks, and the only problems that I've noticed are the peeling/fading interior, and the radio, which sucks at picking up local stations. I hope that I don't encounter any major problems.

When buying a car, it's hit or miss. All manufacturers are out to make money and take short cuts on quality assurance (American automakers mostly). Toyota and Honda are starting to slip as well. They offer more horse power and new technology, but release their cars too early without proper testing. If you can buy a foreign car from the mid 90's, you're better off because back then non-american companies had something to prove in the american market. Now its quantity over quality, and they are charging top dollar, especially for repairs.

- Kangolny

I bought a 98 SLK last July, with 64000, within two weeks of owning it the troubles began.

First thing that happened it would not accelerate; every time I stepped on the gas it would bog down. So I took it to a Mercedes dealer; they said that the air mass sensor was bad, and that it caused oil to go into the spark plugs and air filter (hmmmm). Well 1700.00 later, I drove it out of there and did not make it home and the same thing happened, so I took it back. They said that some oil was left in a tube and held the car for another 8 days.

After that it seemed to drive fine until May of this year; it had about 73000 miles on it and the same thing happened. I took it back to the Mercedes dealer again, now they say that the oxygen sensor is bad. I believe that its was the problem in the first place, so today I went to another dealer and bought the oxygen senor, which I will put in myself.

I like the car; too bad it was not made better.

I purchased my SLK 230 August 2006 with 55,000 miles on it. I have had no problems at all with this car. My check engine light comes on from time to time but it is always my gas cap not being on tight enough. I love my car!! I have owned a Nissan and a Lexus. The ride is a little rough sometimes but what should you expect from a car that is so close to the ground and has a lot of power. It has been such an eye catcher that I hate driving it sometimes. I was attracted to its color of black with 18 inch Pirelli tires and AMG rims. I am assuming that is what others see when they see it. I mostly drive my SUV because it attracts no attention. Within the next year I plan on upgrading to a SL or CL class. I have fallen in love with Mercedes. I can also say that my Lexus was also a great car but I would rather have a Mercedes!!

Rennie from Atlanta, GA

Hello

I own a 2000 Mercedes SLK 230 kompressor with the 170 body style package for 3 years... I LOVE THE CAR.

I have a couple of issues interior paint is flaking out... I can use some advice on this.

The front tires keep of getting worn in the inside.. the car has been aligned a couple of times.. the alignment is always withing specs...

The last shop where I took their advice; it was to install a couple of screws to fix the problem... but they claimed that there were no guarantees... and a Mercedes tech said it is not uncommon... Help.

Thanks

spyffy.

I have owned a 1998 Mercedes 230 SLK since 2001. It currently has 56000 miles and has had a complete exterior overhaul to correct typical weathering blemishes.

I have had to replace two exhaust manifolds under warranty. The first replacement came cracked from Mercedes. I also had a coil burn out in 32,000 miles. The coil failure caused the engine to bog above 1500 rpm just as we were entering the Baltimore Tunnel.

Since the coil episode, the check engine light has come on countless times. The local Mercedes dealership has been expensive and totally useless in diagnosing problems. They replaced an air intake check valve for $400 and the light popped on 200 miles later. I was told by the dealership that I needed the forward oxygen sensor replaced for another $375. They also left me with a dent in the driver's door. Incidentally, the independent service center that replaced the cracked manifolds had replaced the sensors so I knew the Mercedes dealer was selling me a bill of goods.

Folks, the 230 SLK is a fun little toy. Too bad Mercedes has darkened my 230SLK experience with an inept and dishonest dealer. I found a good independent service center and advise everyone to stay away from Mercedes service centers.

Steve T - Baltimore, MD.