Positive Review
I absolute love these cars! I've owned 3 (98,99 and now a 2001 230 Kompressor) and will continue to buy them as long as I am living and Mercedes continues to make SLK's. All three SLK 230's I've owned had been extremely reliable! If you don't believe it, Google the top 100 reliable cars of the last decade, and the SLK will be number 25 on the list. One thing to keep in mind is that the car is relatively small, so there is not much to go wrong. Also there aren't many unnecessary electronic gizmos that typically go wrong when they get old. Now, I am not saying that these cars never have problems, but never has this car, or my previous SLK's left me stranded. I've only had the Mass Air Flow Sensor go out, and that's typical when these cars get higher mileage on them. Bottom line is take care of the car, and it will take care of you. Next the Performance is great for a 4 cylinder. Its supercharged (Kompressor) so the pick is good. Don't expect to take on V8 mustangs, nissan 350/370Z and Infiniti G's and so forth. I not one that is a show off, but This car gets a lot of attention and compliments from people even though its over 10 years old. It's funny, I've owned BMW's Volvo's and never got strangers to approach me and ask me questions like they do with the SLK. If your need a lot of space don't buy this car as a daily driver. The truck is big for it's size, but the car is still small. If you are looking for a hardcore sports car then look elsewhere. This car handles and drives great, but don't expect to have the driving dynamics of a Porsche or Ferrari. Over all, its a terrific car to own. If you buy one, make sure it was loved and taken care of.
Critical Review
I have always wanted an SLK230 and finally was able to buy one (used) in 2009. It's a 1999 and only had 38,000 miles on it. I love the look of this car. I really love driving it as well. The hard-top convertible roof is a wonderful thing. Obviously, this is a very small car, and not good for toting anything big around or getting more than one other person in it. Though I loved this car, I must say I had alot of trouble with mine. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty. I had the following repairs done within the 2-1/2 years I've owned it, and most were covered under the extended warranty. The transmission went out, the roof and windows leaked when it rained (and still do), the roof also leaked some kind of fluid (hydraulic?) into the liner of the roof and all had to be replaced, one headlight wouldn't stay in place and while driving one day, it flew out and a car drove over it (not covered by warranty - dealer wanted $400; I found a new headlight for $88 on the internet). The rear-view mirror has some sort of dark substance (fluid?) in it that takes up the bottom half of the mirror, making it difficult to see out of, but the dealer wants $300 for a new mirror, and I'm not willing to pay that. Several other small things happened, but right now it's in the shop because the convertible roof is stuck in the open position and I can't get it closed. As I said, thank goodness for the extended warranty. The Benz dealership has been great each time I had to take it in so because I didn't have to shell out much cash (except $75 deductible for each time), I'm not as unhappy as I'd have been if I wasn't covered. I don't think I'll buy another Benz, though I had alot of fun in this one!!!
Showing 8 of 190 reviews.
Fast, hugs those turns, sleek, reliable
The hydraulics for the roof, kinda shotty.
I absolutely love my slk230!!! She's sexy, fast, from the top to the tires, she's great! There are a few issues but all are fixable. I've had her 2 years now, only replaced hydraulics for roof x2, and my mounts just went out. Not bad for a '98. Overall she gets a 5 out of 5 stars.
Just a wonderful little sports car.
You sit a little lwhile in the car when you’re dri
I purchased a car with 150,000 miles now I have about 180 on it. It runs and drives great. Quick as all can be. Turns head wherever it goes. Just love the car. I have nothing bad to say about it. I got the car for $1000 when I purchased it and it’s been nothing but good to me. I drive it about four times a week. The only problem with the car is it low when you drive it. But it’s just a fantastic Car. I just love it.
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Elegant, muscular, retractable hardtop, beautiful
more a GT cruiser than a nimble sports car
I have have a 2003 SLK32 AMG now for 9 months (45kmi). It was in great shape and I had motor mounts changed (purely an age, not usage issue), new rear discs and pads (earlier owner had okayed non-Benz parts), changed slightly leaky rocker cover gaskets. I bought some touchup interior German paint since R170 series cars have interior pain that tends to wear/flake off. I touch it all up myself (YouTube has a detailed step by step). The car is "like new" now. What I like most is the retractable hardtop, the smooth power delivery, the elegant but timeless muscular looks, the "rocket ship" type seating position and matching acceleration, the traditional (non-glitzy) interior and dash and it cruises beautifully. It's timeless and faster than my 2001 Mustang SVT Cobra was and has some of the excitement my drop top 2000 Miata had....and all the drop top enjoyment. What is also true is that it is not at all, a sports car like the Miata was or like my hopped up 300hp 2013 WRX is. Because German cars have to cruise at full speed on the German autobahn, nearly all feel a bit heavy, a bit slow to respond to steering inputs (and their added weight keeps them from being blown around on the autobahn). But if you want that "solid German build and feeling", my SLK has that in spades. With me also having my "a bit twitchy, a bit tinny, a bit noisy" but very quick WRX, I can pick the one I want to drive and now I have two quite different cars to choose from.
A true treasure!
Purchased when we lived in Southern California, this car is very special. We were recently told it was worth $750, however, decided to put c. $7K into it for total restoration of engine, tires, etc. The interior is simply tired, primarily from the years spent in the hot outdoor sun/low humidity, in Southern California. Next year, the interior. We will then have a completely restored 1999 SLK! (The body is perfect, as we always have parked it carefully, and it’s never been on salt covered/Winter roads.)
Retractable top, fun to drive, looks brand new.
minor wear on side of console
Always garaged and well maintained in excellent condition. Retractable top, fire engine red with black leather seats. 6 disc CD changer
As a two seater, convertible it's a fun car to dr.
Access
Best car I have had and the most fun to drive. I bought it used and has given me very little trouble.
Fun to drive, Hardtop Convertible, Fast.
Nothing really….
This car is my daily driver, it is so fun to drive, especially with the top down on a nice weather day, good on gas, and fast. I’ve had this car for 5 years. It had 60,000 miles on it when I bought it, and now it’s reaching 200,000 miles and the only maintenance I did on her were the normal things like the serpentine belt, tires, transmission fluid, oil changes regularly, etc. I never had a problem with her and it is still driving very smooth, no problems. Best roadster out there.