mkaresh

TrueDelta reports absolute repair rates that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, to report on new models quickly and track cars closely as they age.

We currently provide results for the C, E, and GL, but the SLK isn't included in the survey yet. For a model year to be included, at least 25 owners have to sign up to participate. So far we have far more owners signed up for the TT, Z4, and Boxster than we do for the SLK. We'd like to provide reliability information on the SLK as well as its main competitors.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the SLK, for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research

lucky6600

signed

mkaresh

Thanks, I appreciate it.

We should have results for one of two years of the Z4, TT, and Boxster in November, and I'd like to also be able to provide reliability stats for the SLK. Need more owners to help make this happen.

Car reliability research

320 dreamer

maybe the slk's are so reliable they never break down?! j/k, i know on the r170 side because of the age and the great forum support from mb world and benzworld and the crossfireforum most postings are diy types of repairs.

mkaresh

Good to know. Most cars are more reliable than people tend to think these days. A key reason I'm conducting this research is to make this much more obvious, but posting the actual repair frequencies and not just dots.

With the SLK, more participants remain needed. The TT, Z3, Z4, and Boxster are all in the survey. The SLK, not yet.

Car reliability research

mkaresh

The 2005 is now over halfway to the minimum sample size. Getting there.

mkaresh

Now just ten cars short with the 2005. First results for the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT later this month. Need to get the SLK in future updates.

mkaresh

Updated results recently posted for the C, E, and GL among Mercedes models, along with two new statistics. One of these reports the odds of requiring no repairs, the other the odds of 3+ repair trips in a year.

mkaresh

52 SLK now signed up. A start, but more remain needed to get it into this survey. Details here:

Car reliability research

mkaresh

Updated results for the C, E, GL, and GLK recently posted. Also results for the Boxster, Z4, and TT.

Car Reliability Survey results

Let's also get the SLK into the survey.

lkchris

Discussing "reliability" with respect to SLKs is pretty silly.

They're one of the least practical, completely emotional car purchases there is--to think the ownership experience can simultaneously be cheap and trouble free is from another planet.

It's pretty close to "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Do you think Lamborghini owners ask about reliability?

mac911

I really couldn't disagree more.

Firstly, a SLK is not impracticable. You can use it for any transportation needs of 2 or less people. For me, a SUV is impractical.

Secondly, I don't think owning a SLK has to be an incredibly expensive experience after purchase. They are quite solid cars. Certainly, a non-AMG SLK isn't much different than a C Class, besides down the road possible roof issues.

RoadkingHI

Signed in and added other vehicles. Waiting to see how good this info is.

mkaresh

Just enhanced the related repair history survey so that it can (optionally) be used as a personal car maintenance record.

As always, more participants would be helpful. Updated Car Reliability Survey results in May, with a preview for participants in mid-April.

Car reliability research

mkaresh

The 2007 is now halfway, and the 2005 is well over halfway.

mkaresh

Updated results recently posted for several other Mercedes models and most competitors to the SLK. Looking forward to doing the same for the SLK.

mkaresh

72 SLK owners now signed up. So some progress. The 2005 is now 2/3 of the way.

To help get your year included:

Car reliability research

mkaresh

Now 79. The 2005 is 2/3 of the way.

To help get your year included:

Car reliability research

mac911

mkaresh - I don't know why people don't sign up.

I've posted about your service at SLKworld.com, but they dismissed it as impossible to be accurate.

Honestly, maybe it's not perfect, but it still gives an "idea," of how reliable these cars are.

I think you have a GREAT service. I wish more would sign up.

It takes literally 20 seconds of time every few months. Easy.

ben721364

I suspect that the low rate of participation has more to do with the demographics of SLK ownership v. Boxter and Z4 owners. Owners of those cars tend to be more passionate about the mechanics of their cars, IMO.

mkaresh

This might be part of it. I think there also aren't as many SLKs sold. And I haven't been able to post at slkworld myself. Discussed this with the owner, even put him in touch with other forum owners who are fans of the survey at his request, then didn't hear back from him. He might assume that hardly any owners are interested.

Steezin92

Just Regestered our SLK, Moving on to our other cars.. Hope it helps!

mkaresh

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.

Also this month: updated reliability stats.

As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research

mkaresh

The 2005 is now only five cars short of getting started, and other years are also closer.

ben721364

I agree that SLK purchases are more about being noticed and for a few, the driving experience. I do not agree that it is silly to consider reliability since there are other cars at the same price point that are similary fun to drive and carry are prestigious. Would you want to own a car that requires frequent visits to the shop when similar cars do not?

I applaud True Delta for it's work.