bimmaboy

Any major issues with these cars to be aware of? Looking at purchasing one, I believe that these were the first MY of R170 production, correct? Were there any lingering bugs or recalls ever applied to the 98 SLK? How's the performance on these things and are they comfortable enough to be a daily driver? Appreciate any insight.

Silver_Lana

Congrats on the prospective purchase.
I'd go with a newer one if I were you. First year models are notoriously problem prone.

mbtech208

-Door panels fall apart
-Canister shut-off valve causing check engine light
-Oil leaks
-squeaks and rattles
-washer and coolant lights

Other than those, the SLK has never really been a troublesome car, even the early ones.

Neicey59

We have researched several SLK models on our quest to buy a boy toy for the hubby (he finds my E class too stuffy) we've noticed that even the used ones have not had a lot of mechanical problems.

If you are looking at used models see if you can get MB to search for any warranty work that may have been done-sometimes if you know where a car has been, you can tell where it's headed. Don't forget to see if the seller will allow you to take it into Benz for a "mini eval".

What I'm surprised I haven't seen more of is problems with the electrical hard-top. This little car seems like a perfect toy.

mbtech208

People ask sometimes about the SLK and how good of a car it is, I have to tell them of all the cars MB makes, it's probably the car that is in the shop least often. The W202 C-class is not far behind.

bodypainter

Other common problems.

- Brake light failures requiring replacement of the tail light assembly.

- Fragile interior (paint rubs off easily).

I've had my '98 just under 3 weeks and am loving it!

pjfslk

I purchased my '98 two years ago. No problems so far. I have 39Kmiles on it. All the things you read about it are real, but the SLK has few preoblems that arn't easily amended.
Good luck!

Brian_R170

This would be in line with the leaked European manufacturers reliaiblity report from about 3 years ago. The R170 SLK ranked 12th out of all cars sold in Europe, and it was far above any other Mercedes-Benz model.

Neicey59

Has anyone modified the dash of their SLK yet? I'm wondering if Steve (MBENZNL) better known as the EURO Pimp can put an aftermarket COMAND, clean lights, and fold in mirrors on a 99 SLK.

They certainly have been successful with doing so in the w210.

Anyone with interior mods? (command, heated seats, etc)