SLK/R170: Long term reliabilty of the SLK230K engine and drivetrain?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Long term reliabilty of the SLK230K engine and drivetrain?
I own a c230 coupe with the 2.3 liter Kompressor engine, and
I'm curious what I might expect over the long haul.
What breaks on these car (SLK?) other than the power tops.
Since the coupe is such a new model, I figured I'd surf over here
to see if I can find anything.
So far, 1 year and it's been no problems, other than an initial alignment issue.
Does the 2.3 liter motor have any notorious issues that have come up in this forum?
I don't spend much time in this forum so forgive me, if these notorious issues are common knowledge among SLK230K owners.
So far in the W203 forum, I haven't seen much, with the coupe being so new, other than a lot of complaints about the 6 speed tranny which I don't have.
Your contructive comments are appreciated, on any issues that might cross over to the coupe, especially from those with close to
100K miles or more, since thats the maximum length of the warranties.
Any blown head gaskets?
I'm curious what I might expect over the long haul.
What breaks on these car (SLK?) other than the power tops.
Since the coupe is such a new model, I figured I'd surf over here
to see if I can find anything.
So far, 1 year and it's been no problems, other than an initial alignment issue.
Does the 2.3 liter motor have any notorious issues that have come up in this forum?
I don't spend much time in this forum so forgive me, if these notorious issues are common knowledge among SLK230K owners.
So far in the W203 forum, I haven't seen much, with the coupe being so new, other than a lot of complaints about the 6 speed tranny which I don't have.
Your contructive comments are appreciated, on any issues that might cross over to the coupe, especially from those with close to
100K miles or more, since thats the maximum length of the warranties.
Any blown head gaskets?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Good news, the 2.3 liter Kompressor engine is the most reliable of any current MB engine. Hardly anything goes wrong with them, in fact, the only thing I've seen fail on the engine is a camshaft broken on an SLK, and a head gasket leaked oil on a C230 coupe with 6,000 miles. The head gasket was really a freak occurance. There's a man in Indianapolis who has a '98 SLK230 with 400,000 miles on it already, and I've heard the only thing that has failed on the engine have been a few oil leaks and a supercharger bearing.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Well I'm really glad I went for it in 2002.
Wouldn't look forward to being a ginny pig for the new 1.8 L
engine they're putting out now. Who knows? Maybe it'll be fine.
But part of the attraction of the c230 coupe was that the engine had been in service for quite some time in other models, and of course the value in the c coupe is really tremendous.
I just went for the 6 year 100K mile warranty (maybe I didn't need it?) and really like this car, and plan to drive it at least 100K miles.
I've just recieved a set of C class AMG swaybars, which amazingly only cost ~170 front and rear direct from MBZ, and I'm replacing the springs, tighten up the suspension, then TRUE love will blossom. :-)
I'd love to hear more stories from owners out there.
What about all other "systems" in the car. Just as relaible as the drivetrain?
Wouldn't look forward to being a ginny pig for the new 1.8 L
engine they're putting out now. Who knows? Maybe it'll be fine.
But part of the attraction of the c230 coupe was that the engine had been in service for quite some time in other models, and of course the value in the c coupe is really tremendous.
I just went for the 6 year 100K mile warranty (maybe I didn't need it?) and really like this car, and plan to drive it at least 100K miles.
I've just recieved a set of C class AMG swaybars, which amazingly only cost ~170 front and rear direct from MBZ, and I'm replacing the springs, tighten up the suspension, then TRUE love will blossom. :-)
I'd love to hear more stories from owners out there.
What about all other "systems" in the car. Just as relaible as the drivetrain?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
I've heard of only a 2 cases of superchargers failing, and I'm pretty sure at one of them was because the tech was just guessing.
I've also heard of some drivability problems due to sensors, but that's not really an engine issue.
Other than that, the 2.3L Kompressor engine seems to be just about bulletproof.
As far as other systems, you're much more likely to have issues with the transmission (manual or automatic), than the engine.
I don't want to scare you, but I think you can expect a few electrical gremlins.
I've also heard of some drivability problems due to sensors, but that's not really an engine issue.
Other than that, the 2.3L Kompressor engine seems to be just about bulletproof.
As far as other systems, you're much more likely to have issues with the transmission (manual or automatic), than the engine.
I don't want to scare you, but I think you can expect a few electrical gremlins.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
2010 C350 Arctic White/Black
am considering purchasing a 2000 slk 5sp manual which currently has 55k on it...i know that it varies by driver, but how much more life can i expect from the original clutch? how many miles have you guys been averaging and what is the approximate cost for clutch replacement by m-b dealership? tia...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
Like you said, the life of the clutch depends on the driver's skills/habits and driving conditions. I believe you can take it to a shop and have the clutch inspected. My SLK320 has 127k mi and the clutch was replaced by the previous owner at ~100k mi according to the dealer's record.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2002 Mercedes c32 1998 Toyota tacoma 2002 Honda Cbr600f4i
slk230 is a good model. sounds like **** but.... M111 engines are bulletproof.
The usual problems I seen were:
1.car just dies randomly after long drives the k40 relay in the fuse box on pass. side near windshield shorts out
2.switch over valve goes bad. car feels like its very weak. right on airbox
3.usually the mis-steps of the top operation can be number of problems. most I seen not wanting to come out of the a-pillar (close it back take cover off make adjustment to release pressure due to unserviced pins)
4.cd changer not working do to bad gutter design which is a tsb/recall can't remember exactly. on right rear or car.
not really much to list considering it's a mercedes
The usual problems I seen were:
1.car just dies randomly after long drives the k40 relay in the fuse box on pass. side near windshield shorts out
2.switch over valve goes bad. car feels like its very weak. right on airbox
3.usually the mis-steps of the top operation can be number of problems. most I seen not wanting to come out of the a-pillar (close it back take cover off make adjustment to release pressure due to unserviced pins)
4.cd changer not working do to bad gutter design which is a tsb/recall can't remember exactly. on right rear or car.
not really much to list considering it's a mercedes
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
2002 Mercedes c32 1998 Toyota tacoma 2002 Honda Cbr600f4i
(benzolee)
Congrats on purchasing this car I'm sure you wife is very happy.
That sound my friend is normal i'm alfraid
we call this engine the (typewriter) very clattery!
Congrats on purchasing this car I'm sure you wife is very happy.
That sound my friend is normal i'm alfraid
we call this engine the (typewriter) very clattery!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Ha, I found my old thread after all these years, and guess what?
I'm damn close to 177K miles!
I have my mileage award from MB and everything.
Yes, the M111 is a great engin
Everything else after it is just crap!
M271, junk! M272 have the freakin balance shaft problem,
all after the Chrysler takeover.
I replaced the supercharger at 120K in advance of it's failure, bought the new one
for 600 off ebay sold the old one for 250.
Better than waiting for it to fail and paying 2 grand.
Rebuilt the alternator too at the same time, 200.
Recently had the starter brushes replaced 20 buck!
+ a pain in the *** remove and install.
Other than the occasional blown coil pack pretty much fine.
Only thing I had to pay a mechanic for was diagnosing which
wheel sensor went bad once.
I just flushed my tranny for the 2nd time, and
replaced a coil pack on #1 and cleaned and sealed the MAF.
Yes, sealed. On my car, it doesn't appear to have any kind of seal.
I use some duct tape, and a large oring to keep the pressure up.
Runs perfect still but I do have the dreaded leaking #4 cylinder spewing coolant down the side of the block just a little, have to top it up every once in a while.
I have all the stuff to fix it, but no place to do it after Sept 30 so, and I'm still looking for a new place to live.
oh well. Like I said runs great!
New front brake pads (AMG C32 4 piston) are immanent, already have pads and rotors.
I'm damn close to 177K miles!
I have my mileage award from MB and everything.
Yes, the M111 is a great engin
Everything else after it is just crap!
M271, junk! M272 have the freakin balance shaft problem,
all after the Chrysler takeover.
I replaced the supercharger at 120K in advance of it's failure, bought the new one
for 600 off ebay sold the old one for 250.
Better than waiting for it to fail and paying 2 grand.
Rebuilt the alternator too at the same time, 200.
Recently had the starter brushes replaced 20 buck!
+ a pain in the *** remove and install.
Other than the occasional blown coil pack pretty much fine.
Only thing I had to pay a mechanic for was diagnosing which
wheel sensor went bad once.
I just flushed my tranny for the 2nd time, and
replaced a coil pack on #1 and cleaned and sealed the MAF.
Yes, sealed. On my car, it doesn't appear to have any kind of seal.
I use some duct tape, and a large oring to keep the pressure up.
Runs perfect still but I do have the dreaded leaking #4 cylinder spewing coolant down the side of the block just a little, have to top it up every once in a while.
I have all the stuff to fix it, but no place to do it after Sept 30 so, and I'm still looking for a new place to live.
oh well. Like I said runs great!
New front brake pads (AMG C32 4 piston) are immanent, already have pads and rotors.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Sep 8, 2011 at 04:06 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: DC Metro
Land Rover, Mercedes, Ferrari
Ha, I found my old thread after all these years, and guess what?
I'm damn close to 177K miles!
I have my mileage award from MB and everything.
Yes, the M111 is a great engin
Everything else after it is just crap!
M271, junk! M272 have the freakin balance shaft problem,
all after the Chrysler takeover.
I replaced the supercharger at 120K in advance of it's failure, bought the new one
for 600 off ebay sold the old one for 250.
Better than waiting for it to fail and paying 2 grand.
Rebuilt the alternator too at the same time, 200.
Recently had the starter brushes replaced 20 buck!
+ a pain in the *** remove and install.
Other than the occasional blown coil pack pretty much fine.
Only thing I had to pay a mechanic for was diagnosing which
wheel sensor went bad once.
I just flushed my tranny for the 2nd time, and
replaced a coil pack on #1 and cleaned and sealed the MAF.
Yes, sealed. On my car, it doesn't appear to have any kind of seal.
I use some duct tape, and a large oring to keep the pressure up.
Runs perfect still but I do have the dreaded leaking #4 cylinder spewing coolant down the side of the block just a little, have to top it up every once in a while.
I have all the stuff to fix it, but no place to do it after Sept 30 so, and I'm still looking for a new place to live.
oh well. Like I said runs great!
New front brake pads (AMG C32 4 piston) are immanent, already have pads and rotors.
I'm damn close to 177K miles!
I have my mileage award from MB and everything.
Yes, the M111 is a great engin
Everything else after it is just crap!
M271, junk! M272 have the freakin balance shaft problem,
all after the Chrysler takeover.
I replaced the supercharger at 120K in advance of it's failure, bought the new one
for 600 off ebay sold the old one for 250.
Better than waiting for it to fail and paying 2 grand.
Rebuilt the alternator too at the same time, 200.
Recently had the starter brushes replaced 20 buck!
+ a pain in the *** remove and install.
Other than the occasional blown coil pack pretty much fine.
Only thing I had to pay a mechanic for was diagnosing which
wheel sensor went bad once.
I just flushed my tranny for the 2nd time, and
replaced a coil pack on #1 and cleaned and sealed the MAF.
Yes, sealed. On my car, it doesn't appear to have any kind of seal.
I use some duct tape, and a large oring to keep the pressure up.
Runs perfect still but I do have the dreaded leaking #4 cylinder spewing coolant down the side of the block just a little, have to top it up every once in a while.
I have all the stuff to fix it, but no place to do it after Sept 30 so, and I'm still looking for a new place to live.
oh well. Like I said runs great!
New front brake pads (AMG C32 4 piston) are immanent, already have pads and rotors.
Wow 177k. amazing. i own the same model. 2002 C230 with the 2.3L engine. i was thinking i should have looked for the 1.8L 2003 and up. but seeing this post looks like i made the right choice.
OT: what was wrong with the M271s? i know the M272s are the V6 in the C320 coupe right? what were the issues of the M271 engines?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Norwich UK
slk 230 kompressor
Make that 3 blowers: the snout oil seal failed on mine at 36k miles. Sourced a new seal and s/c oil from the USA (just couldn't find them in the UK) and these were fitted by my local indie at a fraction of the cost of a new supercharger. Job done and all is well
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Norwich UK
slk 230 kompressor
Make that 3! The snout oil seal in mine went last year at 40,000 miles. My local Mercedes dealer offered only a complete replacement which, with labour, would have cost me well in excess of £2000. Neither MB nor Eaton, supply spares. I sourced a new seal from Georgia in the USA via ebay, together with some s/c oil, at a very modest sum and my Indie fitted it. A bit over £200 all in. Job done.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Hickory NC
2001 E430, 1999 SLK230
I have a 99 slk 230 Kompressor with 144k on it and it has serious issues right at the moment. No acceleration/idle issues. But its being worked on. It is one of the best cars I own . I would not hesitate to buy another regardless of the mileage. I have a 2000 c230k and it has 155k miles and it has never been in the shop except for oil changes. Gets 33 mpg and runs like its new. My slk does too except for problem it has now. But thats just a bump in the road. Great car
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1998 SLK 230
I'm looking for help with my 98 SLK 230 that has serious suspension issues. I had initially thought the stock shocks were failing, but when I replaced them the suspension actually seemed worse. In fact, the car is almost dangerous now when hitting any type of variation in the pavement when cornering at speed; it starts to skip into the turn as if there's no rebound at all. Before I take it somewhere to potentially get hosed, any ideas would be appreciated.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350
The M272 did have balance shaft problems for the first few years (06-08). I bought my 2010 E350 after the problems were solved in 09. Most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. It has 228,000+ miles and counting.
The only repairs I have had to do:
A/C fan at about 160k.
Rack and pinion at 181k.
Oil cooler gasket at 225k
A/C compressor at 227k.
There have definitely been lots of problems after the M111, but Mercedes gave us one of the best diesels (the OM648), years after the M111. It's arguably the most reliable. The OM606 is a great engine, but had its problems. The M112/M113 are really good engines. The M113K is arguably the most reliable V8 AMG and that was after the M111.
The only repairs I have had to do:
A/C fan at about 160k.
Rack and pinion at 181k.
Oil cooler gasket at 225k
A/C compressor at 227k.
There have definitely been lots of problems after the M111, but Mercedes gave us one of the best diesels (the OM648), years after the M111. It's arguably the most reliable. The OM606 is a great engine, but had its problems. The M112/M113 are really good engines. The M113K is arguably the most reliable V8 AMG and that was after the M111.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Can't believe this old thread lives! That I started! And even more amazing, I still own and drive the 2002 C230.
It now has 256K miles. It has taken a plethora of parts over the years to keep it going.
I've had a leaking head gasket on #4 cylinder like most M111 since 150K miles, but I just keep topping up the fluid level and driving it.
At this point, I'll probably have some corrosion on the head if and when I ever get around to pulling it.
It sat for a while but in the last year or so,new NOS MAF, new tires, starter, alternator, supercharger, shift module,
refinshed steering wheel, recharge AC and new front brake pads and rotors (AMG). At around 200K I did the
fuel filter, water pump. So running well at this point, and hard to want to tear the engine apart when it's running nice and smooth
It now has 256K miles. It has taken a plethora of parts over the years to keep it going.
I've had a leaking head gasket on #4 cylinder like most M111 since 150K miles, but I just keep topping up the fluid level and driving it.
At this point, I'll probably have some corrosion on the head if and when I ever get around to pulling it.
It sat for a while but in the last year or so,new NOS MAF, new tires, starter, alternator, supercharger, shift module,
refinshed steering wheel, recharge AC and new front brake pads and rotors (AMG). At around 200K I did the
fuel filter, water pump. So running well at this point, and hard to want to tear the engine apart when it's running nice and smooth
