New SLK owner
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 703
Likes: 31
From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
New SLK owner
Hi guys, just picked up my newest
AMG today, 2005 SLK55 to complement my current C63. I've always loved the cars and this one only 78k miles for a 20yr old car, drove solid, no leaks, decent mx history. Having owned two E55's in the past the base engine is the same, I never really had any issues with those other than the suspension air bags, which this car doesn't have I hear. What gremlins should I be on the look out for? What preventative stuff should I do not to invest in a good life for these models? Appreciate the feedback and look forward to interacting with a whole new set of people on the forum. Been on here like 20yrs myself so maybe my log in is as old as the car...haaa...I had a Volvo when I joined, how funny.....
AMG today, 2005 SLK55 to complement my current C63. I've always loved the cars and this one only 78k miles for a 20yr old car, drove solid, no leaks, decent mx history. Having owned two E55's in the past the base engine is the same, I never really had any issues with those other than the suspension air bags, which this car doesn't have I hear. What gremlins should I be on the look out for? What preventative stuff should I do not to invest in a good life for these models? Appreciate the feedback and look forward to interacting with a whole new set of people on the forum. Been on here like 20yrs myself so maybe my log in is as old as the car...haaa...I had a Volvo when I joined, how funny.....
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Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,519
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From: DFW
SL63
Mine is an ‘01, SLK 320, which I bought in ‘08 or thereabouts. It had about 70K miles on it. One of the first problems I ran into, was putting in a new battery, and not knowing the radio code would be needed to use the radio. It was AM/FM cassette, with a cd player in the trunk.
Your radio doesn’t look much like mine, so you might not need a radio code, or even have a model that has one.
But if your system has a radio code, write it down in a couple of places.
I had a power steering pump go out, and now, about 15 years later, it is acting up.
Also had a front wheel bearing go out. As I recall, it didn’t have zercs to hand lubricate periodically.
Of course, since yours is a 55, none of those issues may even apply to you.
Your radio doesn’t look much like mine, so you might not need a radio code, or even have a model that has one.
But if your system has a radio code, write it down in a couple of places.
I had a power steering pump go out, and now, about 15 years later, it is acting up.
Also had a front wheel bearing go out. As I recall, it didn’t have zercs to hand lubricate periodically.
Of course, since yours is a 55, none of those issues may even apply to you.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 703
Likes: 31
From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
Mine is an ‘01, SLK 320, which I bought in ‘08 or thereabouts. It had about 70K miles on it. One of the first problems I ran into, was putting in a new battery, and not knowing the radio code would be needed to use the radio. It was AM/FM cassette, with a cd player in the trunk.
Your radio doesn’t look much like mine, so you might not need a radio code, or even have a model that has one.
But if your system has a radio code, write it down in a couple of places.
I had a power steering pump go out, and now, about 15 years later, it is acting up.
Also had a front wheel bearing go out. As I recall, it didn’t have zercs to hand lubricate periodically.
Of course, since yours is a 55, none of those issues may even apply to you.
Your radio doesn’t look much like mine, so you might not need a radio code, or even have a model that has one.
But if your system has a radio code, write it down in a couple of places.
I had a power steering pump go out, and now, about 15 years later, it is acting up.
Also had a front wheel bearing go out. As I recall, it didn’t have zercs to hand lubricate periodically.
Of course, since yours is a 55, none of those issues may even apply to you.
Good idea on the radio code, I think my old E55's had this code and I remember the first owner wrote in the book so I had it, but yea, I don't have a clue what this one is?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,519
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From: DFW
SL63
So if you use them, put in a donation for both of us. If I recall, they recommended $5.00.
If you don’t have your code, do not let your battery go dead. Do not change out batteries, without keeping the battery cables energized with a 3rd battery, or some such engineering to keep the circuits powered.
Supposedly, this phone number will put you in touch with a MB rep who can search your radio code for you. (800)-222-0100
If that doesn’t work, that website I was talking about, if it is still online could also do it. I would list it, but I am having an awful lot of trouble finding it.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 703
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From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
so you give them your vin and they give you the code?
I was looking over my paperwork and my paint code is 187, jade black metallic. I wonder how many of those were actually imported into the US for that year? I think I saw a post where people were debating the actual numbers and of course MB doesn't like to just dish that out easily. Just trying to determine if this is any rare color or just normal like all the iridium silvers (I had 2 with my E55's).
I was looking over my paperwork and my paint code is 187, jade black metallic. I wonder how many of those were actually imported into the US for that year? I think I saw a post where people were debating the actual numbers and of course MB doesn't like to just dish that out easily. Just trying to determine if this is any rare color or just normal like all the iridium silvers (I had 2 with my E55's).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 901
From: DFW
SL63
Yes, that online site does the same. But if it’s not the stock radio listed on the build sheet, the VIN will only return the radio code for that. Otherwise there is a serial number on the radio head unit somewhere. The radio serial number will yield a radio code through that search process.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
can I pull it off the radio now if power is normal and the unit functions fine? I got sort of a chuckle when the dealer popped the glovebox to covey the ole 6 cd changer.....I was like "damn, gonna have to get out my old CD collection for this old school machine".
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 703
Likes: 31
From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
does your roof have any rattles or anything? With the top down the car is super quiet but I got gas and put the top up and there are these little "plastic" things on each side that are pretty noisy, not sure what that is all about and if I even have to concern myself with it other than the rattle-ness of it. I purposely ran it through a touch free wash and no leaks, so that's always a good sign with a convertible car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2024
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From: DFW
SL63
If you can get that serial number, without disconnecting the radio, that would be ideal.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
2006 SLK55 AMG, 2019 S63 AMG Coupe
Welcome from Arizona!
Check out some of my posts addressing things on my 2006 SLK55 AMG:Replace Faded C-Pillar Covers
Headlight Restoration
ECU Tune
Installation of Dashcam Hardwiring for Parking Mode
SLK55 AMG Perforated Leather and Suede Steering Wheel Wrap
AMG Emblem on Gear Shift
Fog Light Replacement
Original Mercedes Lexan Windscreen
Rear Brembo Rotors and Pads for Sale
Check out some of my posts addressing things on my 2006 SLK55 AMG:Replace Faded C-Pillar Covers
Headlight Restoration
ECU Tune
Installation of Dashcam Hardwiring for Parking Mode
SLK55 AMG Perforated Leather and Suede Steering Wheel Wrap
AMG Emblem on Gear Shift
Fog Light Replacement
Original Mercedes Lexan Windscreen
Rear Brembo Rotors and Pads for Sale
Last edited by smsunder; May 31, 2025 at 09:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 703
Likes: 31
From: Leesburg, VA
2017 C63S
Welcome from Arizona!
Check out some of my posts addressing things on my 2006 SLK55 AMG:Replace Faded C-Pillar Covers
Headlight Restoration
ECU Tune
Installation of Dashcam Hardwiring for Parking Mode
SLK55 AMG Perforated Leather and Suede Steering Wheel Wrap
AMG Emblem on Gear Shift
Fog Light Replacement
Original Mercedes Lexan Windscreen
Rear Brembo Rotors and Pads for Sale
Check out some of my posts addressing things on my 2006 SLK55 AMG:Replace Faded C-Pillar Covers
Headlight Restoration
ECU Tune
Installation of Dashcam Hardwiring for Parking Mode
SLK55 AMG Perforated Leather and Suede Steering Wheel Wrap
AMG Emblem on Gear Shift
Fog Light Replacement
Original Mercedes Lexan Windscreen
Rear Brembo Rotors and Pads for Sale
Did you or anyone replace the 2 roof pillar tabs on the back side of the roof? Mine look pretty weathered, and I think I read on another forum it's pretty common issue.
