SLK/R170: buying a '99
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: on the north shore above Chicago
'99 SLK Firemist Red Metallic/ oyster & charcoal interior-Sold, '02 black 230
buying a '99
Hey, guys!
I've been doing my research, searching and I findly think I've found "the one!"
A '99 with manual transmission, 34K and CarFax says one owner. I'm getting it inspected at a dealer... What else should I specifically look for besides loose door panels, a battery on it's "last legs" and if it's ready for new sepentine belts and hoses? The center console looks to be in good shape and not touched up from "peeling." What are other things should I "look for?"
Thanks!
I've been doing my research, searching and I findly think I've found "the one!"
A '99 with manual transmission, 34K and CarFax says one owner. I'm getting it inspected at a dealer... What else should I specifically look for besides loose door panels, a battery on it's "last legs" and if it's ready for new sepentine belts and hoses? The center console looks to be in good shape and not touched up from "peeling." What are other things should I "look for?"
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
1990 560SEL, 1993 190E 2.3, 2001 BMW M5
pre-face lift R170 SLKs have a issues with their switches which control the opening and closing of the vario-roof...ususally the S1, S2, and S3 switches are the ones that are defective...if any of the switches malfunction the roof opening/closing cycle wont complete...then basically you have to turn the car off for 10 mins and restart it which should make the roof function again...
so just look for that...
btw what color is the car? is it a standard or sport package?
good luck to you...the SLK230K is a sweet car...very fun to drive...
although...if i could do it again i would have gotten a SLK320...but for some reason SLK320 don't seem to come in brighter color combinations...I usually see 'em in black or silver...I really wanted a yellow SLK with sport package...
hehe...
so just look for that...
btw what color is the car? is it a standard or sport package?
good luck to you...the SLK230K is a sweet car...very fun to drive...
although...if i could do it again i would have gotten a SLK320...but for some reason SLK320 don't seem to come in brighter color combinations...I usually see 'em in black or silver...I really wanted a yellow SLK with sport package... hehe...
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Indiana
2002 SLK 32
I bought a '99 last summer and I had the roof switch problem. However, for less than $100 and 1.5 hours of work I replaced the switches and never had a problem since. No other problems. Have fun with your purchase.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 15
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From: Indiana
2002 SLK 32
Originally Posted by Gina4321
Dougw246, did you repair the switches yourself or did the dealer do it?? For less than 100. I suppose you did it yourself?? How did you do it yourself?? Gina
The switches are located as follows:
The S69/2 and S69/3 switches are on the same cable assembly. Just remove the headliner (see below) and follow the cable. It goes from S69/3 across to S69/2. Then along the passenger side roof line. Down through the roof mechanism and into the trunk. The only major tricky part was getting at the the connector in the trunk. I left the existing switch assembly in place and routed the new cable next to it. Then I worked my way along the old assembly and snipped the wire ties, pulled the old out and wire tied the new in. It was a little tedious but not to bad.
The S69/1 switch is very easy. Remove the trim on the winshield header. It is a very short wire run.
One tip. Have the roof partially open when you start. It will make it easier to manipulate the roof position to route the wires.
Have fun.
Headliner removal:
Last edited by dougw246; Feb 12, 2005 at 07:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: on the north shore above Chicago
'99 SLK Firemist Red Metallic/ oyster & charcoal interior-Sold, '02 black 230
anything else?
Anyone have other advice on the buying of a '99? I know loose door panels are sometimes a problem. Since it's 5-6 years old the battery and belts are typically due to be replaced. Any other issues problematic to '99s?
Thanks.
Thanks.
