Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Repair and Maintenance - Get an online auto repair estimate for your Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG

RepairPal gives you independent and unbiased repair estimates, user
ratings and reviews, plus advice you can't get anywhere else.

It's easy, accurate, and FREE!

Find out what your auto repair should cost

Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Repair and Maintenance

Image for Mercedes Benz 2002 2004 Mercedes Benz SLK32 AMG

» Back to top
Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG 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 from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
  • The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
  • Oil leaks from the oil level sensor are common.
  • The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.
Exhaust & Emissions Bad spark plug wires and ignition coils can cause intermittent misfires (rough running); the Check Engine Light may illuminate.
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.

» Back to top
Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Recalls and TSBs

Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Recalls (Recent)

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: 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: 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).

» Back to top

Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

 

 Find the right shop for your SLK32 AMG
The best shops near you - with ratings and reviews
(City and State or Zip)
Get inside info about your SLK32 AMG
Common problems and Q&A
Recalls, ratings & reviews
Track your SLK32 AMG's service
Keep everything online in one place. Get service reminders

Recent Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

AC Compressor Replacement
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG in Chesapeake, VA
$1091 - $1467
Fuel Filter Change
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG in Pomona, NY
$118 - $238
Alternator Replacement
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG in Aiken, SC
$402 - $1041
Ball Joint Replacement - Lower
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG in Aiken, SC
$368 - $658
Oil and Filter Change
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG in Goleta, CA
$74 - $124

Most Common Mercedes-Benz Repair Estimates

Oil and Filter Change
$69 - $119
Maintenance Service A
$241 - $339
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
$172 - $379
Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement
$434 - $1055
Maintenance Service B
$400 - $721