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Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes Benz 1998 2004 Mercedes Benz SLK230

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Questions and Answers

slk dude, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Escondido, CA

where is maf on slk 230, do you have a diagram?
what would cause vibration when slk 230 is put in reverse?

haleh78, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Houston, TX

I have a slk230 2004, and my trunk door does not click close. what should i do?
is it possible that i pressed something which keeps the door from closing.

billroger, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Phoenix, AZ

Since having break pads and rotors replaced 2 months ago my break squeal something awful. The garage does not know how to fix the problem.

Itry, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Bedford, MA

My window washer fluid leaks out all over my garage floor. This is the second time it's happened in the 10 years I've owned the car. It comes out by the left-front headlight, and the reservoir is...

BOB62, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Franklin, WI

having a huge problem with the dash peeling off vinyl finish. is there anything i can use to paint over the scratched off areas?

rsimons02, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Troy, IL

When turning on my air conditioning, I only get hot air out of the passenger vents. On the driver's side, the air is cold. Is there a special combination of setting on the a/c controls I can use ...

gwtheduke, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Muskegon, MI

what type of oil should i use. Is a 10w30 synthetic fine

wperrypt, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Mesa, AZ

where is the low side connector to recharge the AC

SLKJOY, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Friday Harbor, WA

A spring came off the right passenger side of the part of the folding wing. Now it needs the spring replacement and the wing adjusted so the top seals correctly when the top is down.

Sxybch, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Right before my warrenty expired I noticed the clutch would stick to the floor as I was driving and I would have to pop it out with my foot. This only happesns on occasion. It can be scary. So I ...

fxhz, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Barnett, MO

My radiator float often get stuck and this causes the coolant warning lights to come on. How can I permanently fix this problem ?

jamax, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, San Diego, CA

My car has a vibration when it's in drive with the brake on. It doesn't vibrate in neutral, park or reverse. It does seem to do it when I take a sharp left turn. I did have a rear-end collision in ...

jamax, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, San Diego, CA

My car has a vibration when it's in drive with the brake on. It doesn't vibrate in neutral or reverse, but does slightly when warming up in park. It does seem to vibrate when I take a sharp left tu...

The Mechanic, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Jacksonville, FL

I'm having a problem with my speed sensors. I want to replace them. Can you advise on the best route to accomplish this task? Dou you have pictures of the location of the speed sensors? If so pleas...

RichardN, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Saint Cloud, FL

What's wrong how can i fix lights don't shut off have to disconnect battery every time i stop

elliottr, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Campbell, CA

MZB called and stated, vehicle is being recalled Camshaft solenoid campaign. While attempting the repair, oil leaked and damaged the computer module inside the car. Since the vehicle was recalled...

Benz 98, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Camp Pendleton, CA

hi ok well i own a mercedes it has 164,000 thousand miles now for some history i blew a heater hose not to long ago coolant every where and my car may have over heated a lil but now runs my only pr...

blkbenz, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Romulus, MI

I have a 2002 SLK 230 with 40000 miles and my "SRS" ( Supplemental Restraint System) light came on and it's got to do with the seat belt restraint system. Has anyone else experienced this...

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Car Reviews (3)

1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, CindazBenz, Reno, NV, January 09, 2010 09:25

This is preliminary due to the fact I had a prior owner that didn't show it much love - I have a little making up to do and discovery of what she needs for love at this point! All in all solid, good car!

1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, Itry, Bedford, MA, May 02, 2009 09:05

I love my car. I had a Mazda RX7 before this and the SLK is much more substantial and feels more sturdy. Plus it has a ton more airbags than my Mazda did.

As long as you are aware that the SLK isn't going to have all the luxury bells and whistles that another car in the same price bracket does, you won't be disappointed. I love the ease in lowering the top on warm days and the power off the line. It's a fun car and so far, knock on wood, it hasn't cost me too much in repairs.

2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, thechidz, New York, NY, May 01, 2009 17:11

I bought my 2000 slk in the year 2009 with 94000 miles on it I am extremely impressed with this car dollar for dollar how it has stood the test of time. This car STILL turns heads and elicits a lot of respect and questions from passers by.

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Problems

Brakes
  • Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
  • Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.
Engine
  • Oil leaks develop from the head gasket and timing cover gasket; these leaks should be repaired before the engine oil and coolant intermix.
  • Radiators break due to degradation of the plastic tanks and fittings.
  • Older vehicles should have the cooling system serviced even if the mileage is low. The hoses can look good on the outside, but the rubber can degrade and erode on the inside. If not carefully checked, the hoses can burst at any time.
  • The water pump can develop leaks. When replacing the water pump, the drive belt tensioner should be inspected and most likely replaced as well.
  • Oil can leak into the engine wiring harness from the cam adjuster solenoid. The oil can migrate through the wires and possibly damage the engine control unit.
Exhaust & Emissions
  • Bad spark plug wires and ignition coils can cause intermittent misfires (rough running); the Check Engine Light may illuminate.
  • The mass air flow sensor tends to fail, causing poor fuel economy and Check Engine Light illumination.
  • Emissions air injection pumps can seize up, causing a loud squealing noise possibly followed by smoke. The air pump pulley stops turning, but the drive belt does not and this friction causes the noise and smoke. If the engine is not turned off, the belt will snap, turning on the alternator/battery warning light.
  • A tube for the EGR system tends to clog with carbon buildup.
Suspension & Steering
  • Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking and causing excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms.
  • The tie rod ends, drag link, and idler arm in the linkage of the steering system can wear out.
  • There is a steering dampening shock that will leak fluid when it goes bad.
Drive Train
  • A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
  • High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
  • The wire connector on the transmission leaks fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. A new harness and control module are required to fix the problem.
Electrical & Lights
  • Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
  • CD changers in the trunk can fail.
  • Position switches for the vario roof can fail, causing the roof to stop in the process of opening or closing.
Heating & Air Conditioning The evaporator temperature sensor can fail, causing the AC compressor not to cycle. If the AC compressor does not cycle on, the AC system will not blow cold air. If the AC compressor is stuck on, the air will be very cold at first, before warming up.

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign Number: 01I005000
Dates Manufactured: 10/1999 to 02/2000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 2,038
Model Years Affected: 2000

Defect Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2000 SLK AND E-CLASS VEHICLES. SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LEFT PARKED IN HIGH TEMPERATURES DURING WARMER MONTHS.

Corrective Summary: MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. MERCEDES-BENZ HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SIDE AIR BAG. OWNERS CAN CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Campaign Number: 05V505000
Dates Manufactured: 11/1996 to 04/2004
Number of Vehicles Affected: 69,278
Model Years Affected: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Date Owner Notified: 09/2006

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FAILURE OF ONE OF THE SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS CAN OCCUR. THE BASE OF THE SOCKET CAN BE SUBJECT TO THERMAL DEFORMATION OVER TIME.

Consequence Summary: THIS DEFORMATION CAN CAUSE MOVEMENT IN THE SOCKET-TO-BULB CONNECTION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN THE SOCKET, AND FAILURE OF THE BULB TO ILLUMINATE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LAMP MODULES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2006, TO APPROXIMATELY 8,200 OWNERS. PHASE II MAILING IS SCHEDULE ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 3, 2006, AND PHASE III MAILING IS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2007 FOR THE REMAINING OWNERS. OWNERS OF VEHICLES WITH THE UPDATED TRIM (POST-FACE LIFT) WILL GET AN INTERIM NOTICE DURING NOVEMBER 2006, ASKING THEM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REAR TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT LATER IN 2007. HOWEVER, IF THEY EXPERIENCE AN ACTUAL REAR LAMP FAILURE BEFORE THEY RECEIVE THAT NOTICE, THEY SHOULD COME TO THEIR DEALER IMMEDIATELY FOR A FREE REPAIR. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.

Recall Notes: MERCEDES-BENZ RECALL NO. 2006080005.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Campaign Number: 02V152000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 05/2002
Number of Vehicles Affected: 27,863
Model Years Affected: 2000, 2001, 2002
Date Owner Notified: 07/2002

Defect Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN THE PROPER HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS.

Consequence Summary: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Corrective Summary: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS, AND DIRECTIONS FOR AFFIXING THESE INSERTS TO THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-201-573-0117.

Recall Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Maintenance Service B
$379 - $693
Maintenance Service A
$227 - $320