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Mercedes-Benz SLK Reliability

15 messages,  Last post on Feb 20, 2013 at 12:36 AM

You are in the Mercedes-Benz SL/SLK-Class Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Convertible

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 SLK hardtop convertible roof problems by boods

Jan 15, 2009 (11:03 am)

Purchased my "01" SLK 320 in 9/00 and only have 52,000 miles. Rear windows will not close although rooftop does. My mechanic (european trained specialist) checked wiring "nets" under front hood with no luck. Now has to begin disassembling rear portion of car checking wiring for any shortages/malfunctions. Expect labor bill to be extremely high. Has anyone experienced this problem and costs involved? Any suggestions?
Thx, Beth

#7 of 15 Non- dealer service by wogasa

Jan 26, 2009 (1:37 pm)

Does anyone know of a reliable and fair maintenance of my '05 350SLK located in the Tacoma or Bremerton, WA area. Are there any MBZ owners clubs here?

#9 of 15 Re: SLK Reliability [jcpmiami] by acett

Aug 10, 2010 (9:39 am)

Replying to: jcpmiami (May 27, 2007 6:20 am)
I have purchased a used Audi TT as well as a used MB SLK 280. Both cars had approximately 22,000 miles when purchased and they were in (seemingly) very good condition.
 
The TT was extremely unreliable and cost me both in time and money. I eventually sold it when it had around 31,000 miles. As for the SLK, it now has the same mileage (31k) and it has been 100% reliable.
 
Did the care (or lack thereof) by the previous owners contribute to the cars reliability? Are there other factors such as the model year, etc that influence the reliability? Probably, so my limited experience with these two used vehicles is certainly inconclusive, but the fact remains that my investment in a '07 SLK has been a rewarding experience.
 
Good luck with whatever vehicle you decide upon.
 
Paul

#10 of 15 Re: Deep pockets requried [ajp1948] by fourteen14

Aug 14, 2010 (8:40 pm)

Replying to: ajp1948 (Jan 05, 2008 11:30 am)
*
 
WOW! I know of a lot of people who would love to have a car that the only problems that they have had were headlight bulbs for 70,000 miles!!
 
Few warranties cover problems over 50,000 miles, except Hyundai, but I would rather drive an SLK!
 
PS: You can buy two "H7 Xenon HID Headlight Bulbs Mercedes Benz SLK 98-08" on ebay for $5.98 with Free Shipping and no tax! Brighter, sexier, and cheaper!!
 
PPS: Sounds like you need a better dealer!
 
PPPS: My ride? 2002 AMG SLK32 with 9,100 miles! Love it!!
 
*

#11 of 15 Re: Deep pockets requried [ajp1948] by nextlexuslx

Sep 11, 2010 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: ajp1948 (Jan 05, 2008 11:30 am)
Sorry to hear that you had so many problems with your R170 (first gen SLK). I believe the quality issues were greatly improved with the newer R171 (2nd gen SLK). Personally I own two SLK's, one is SLK280 and the other is SLK55 AMG. I bought both gently used and am very happy with both of them. For sure, these MB's are NOT CHEAP to maintain and drive around. It definitely costs more $$$ per mile/months driven/kept.
 
BTW, I would not advise ANYONE buying any MB's (or any other European cars) without the ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY INTACT AND IN FORCE......PLUS EXTENDED WARRANTY ALREADY PURCHASED OR ELIGIBLE FOR PURCHASE SHOULD ONE KEEP THE CAR BEYOND THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY!!! Anything seemingly small that "malfunctions" will COST A LOT TO FIX without the warranty!!!!
 
I look at these MB cars (or most European cars) as a "LIFE STYLE" type of thing rather than the "NEED FOR A RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION". If one is looking for a "RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION", then one should go with something like a Toyota, Honda, or Nissan or equivalent!!!
 
Just my two cents worth.

#12 of 15 2012 slk 350 experience by henryb1

Dec 05, 2011 (2:38 pm)

this is a carry over from pricing forum. but am about to purchase a 2012 slk350 and wonder whether anyone has had experience with either the 2011 or 2012 models. i understand the model year is new and probably has limited experience on road but curious before i purchase one this friday as to value for the dollar.
 
comments appreciated.

#13 of 15 Re: SLK Reliability [jcpmiami] by jai4

Aug 25, 2012 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: jcpmiami (May 27, 2007 6:20 am)
My new 2012 SLK 350 looks great and is fun to drive, BUT! With less than 2,000 miles on it, I've had multiple problems: (1) had to replace the catalytic converter; (2) both exhaust manifolds had broken welds inside and needed to be replaced; (3) headlamp switch had short and drained battery; and (4) injection fuel pump needed replacement. MB shop tried to tell me I had just been leaving the lights on which was pretty annoying. Wish I hadn't bought the car, but maybe now that repairs have been done, I'll be happier.

#14 of 15 2013 SLK Roof by manny56

Feb 18, 2013 (4:42 pm)

I will pick up my silver 2013 SLK 250 this Wednesday. It's my first convertible and it has few optionals. I had the opportunity to see the car last Friday and I was surprised that the car has a glass roof (black) with roof liner. I was surprised because I had ordered a standard steel roof and I asked the dealer why that roof and was told that 2013 models are coming with this type of roof. I don't see this option in the MB websites and I am disapointed because I don't believe the dealer is telling me the truth. My feeling is that the car came with a panorama roof and a liner was placed. I'm not sure if the liner was placed here in the US or in the factory. Can anyone help explaining what is going on?

#15 of 15 Re: 2013 SLK Roof [manny56] by claires HOST

Feb 20, 2013 (12:36 am)

Replying to: manny56 (Feb 18, 2013 4:42 pm)
Hmmmm... according to the Edmunds.com review, "The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof.... Stand-alone options include parking sensors, a glass roof panel (also available with a dimming feature)..."
 
There's a picture of the panoramic roof at the MBUSA site, which says that it's an optional feature:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/gallery/class-SLK#/class-SLK/section-1/to- - - - ut-4/type-img
 
ClaireS, Host
Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

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