SLK/R171: ESP Not Working
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ESP Not Working
In reviewing the causes for this error notice, it seems to run the gamit from "steering sensor" failure to problems with the key and half a dozen other mysterious
electronic issues, which could run anywhere from $400 upwards of $1200 to fix. So, what happens if the ESP is simply never repaired. Am I going to go off the road?
Is this going to cause other "failures".? The good news is this happened the day before I put the car up for the winter, so I have lots of time to think about it.
In the meantime, if anyone has had a similar issue, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks. This is a 2005 SLK 350 with about 30000 miles and no other significant
issues over its life.
electronic issues, which could run anywhere from $400 upwards of $1200 to fix. So, what happens if the ESP is simply never repaired. Am I going to go off the road?
Is this going to cause other "failures".? The good news is this happened the day before I put the car up for the winter, so I have lots of time to think about it.
In the meantime, if anyone has had a similar issue, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks. This is a 2005 SLK 350 with about 30000 miles and no other significant
issues over its life.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
E350 4Matic, E400 Coupe, 280 SLK, 500SL
I am having an intermittent ESP Malfunction with my 06 SLK280 with 79K on the clock. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it and most of the time there's no problem. But when there is, you lose your cruise control. I have also had several different mechanics want to write me a Rx for everything from the module (under the hood with the metal lines running to it) to my ignition switch. Since my works about 95% of the time and seems to go away when I shut the car off and restart it, I'm operating from the school of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
The malfunction must be registering fault codes in the ESP module. Best way would be to have it scanned and identify the fault codes. That would be the most correct approach to help identify fault in the system.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 340
Likes: 189
From: Europe
09 SL500, 03 E320 CDI Wagon
You can continue driving, no problem. These systems are fail safe, so in the event that it awakes again it will not do anything weird. You do though loose the benefir of the ESP / ABS saving you in critical situations, but are probably already aware of that.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
E350 4Matic, E400 Coupe, 280 SLK, 500SL
When it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I have found that the recalcitrant ESP in my 06 SLK280 still periodically misbehaves, but far less frequently than it used to. We've scanned it an found the codes to be erratic. Of course, once you lose the ESP, you lose the ability to use cruise control. I have found that on many occasions, simply pulling over, shutting the car off and starting it again alleviates the situation. Neither my mechanic nor I have a clue, but it's working about 99.5% of the time. That's a whole lot better than my last marriage. I'll take it! Thanks for the suggestions!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale
SLK 280 R171
ESP unavailable
I had this issue, scanned using my Icarsoft MB v2.0
steering sensor was fine,
Bought 2 speed sensors for front wheels, changed them and cleared codes and problem went away... Spent less than 50.00
steering sensor was fine,
Bought 2 speed sensors for front wheels, changed them and cleared codes and problem went away... Spent less than 50.00
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
E350 4Matic, E400 Coupe, 280 SLK, 500SL
ESP Unavailable
Thanks for the reply. I just had the issue pop up this weekend, but it went away as fast as it came up.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Cherry Hill, NJ
E350 4Matic, E400 Coupe, 280 SLK, 500SL
Stay Tuned!!
Thanks All, I've decided to go with the Steering Angle Sensor, 171-545-16-32-80 Steering Sensor Assembly $292.85, which I snagged from Mercedes Parts Hub. Prices for this thing are all over the map and MB has found that they are rebuild-able and some places are getting, up to, a $95.00 core charge. I paid no core charge. The previous part # has been superseded and a lot of places say they have it until you order it. I'm supposed to receive it today and I'll give it to my mechanic and let "y'all" know what happens!
Thanks All, I've decided to go with the Steering Angle Sensor, 171-545-16-32-80 Steering Sensor Assembly $292.85, which I snagged from Mercedes Parts Hub. Prices for this thing are all over the map and MB has found that they are rebuild-able and some places are getting, up to, a $95.00 core charge. I paid no core charge. The previous part # has been superseded and a lot of places say they have it until you order it. I'm supposed to receive it today and I'll give it to my mechanic and let "y'all" know what happens!
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