Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Problems

The Mercedes-Benz SLK was born at a time the world was waking up to a new age of sports cars. That was the late-1990's when sports cars were back in favour after years in the motoring wilderness.In a matter of a year or two buyers were out shopping for sporty drop-tops. They wanted to inject some fun into their daily motoring, and look good at the same time. Overnight it was cool to be seen in an open car.Carmakers responded with a raft of new models, among them Mercedes-Benz, which released its new age SLK two-seater sports car.  While it was built along the same lines as the old classic sports cars, the SLK delivered a level of comfort and convenience traditional sports cars couldn't.New-age sports cars like the SLK were more practical than their traditional predecessors; they could be used for daily transport without sacrificing the things we'd come to take for granted in the modern car.MODEL WATCHThe SLK arrived in 1997 and with it came one of the great innovations in sports car design, the folding metal roof.  It wasn't really new, the idea had been developed many years earlier, but those early attempts weren't very successful.Mercedes-Benz showed with the SLK that the folding metal roof could not only work, it could work reliably.  In the process it transformed sports car design. In the one car you could then have the comfort, refinement and security of a coupe as well as the fun and feeling of freedom of an open car. The SLK truly was a car for all seasons.On top of that the SLK's folding metal roof was simple to raise or lower. The driver no longer had to fumble with a clumsy frame while trying to erect it in a howling gale, and then attempt to drape a canvas top over it while being drenched in a sudden downpour.The SLK's roof could be raised or lowered in a matter of a few seconds simply by pressing a button.  The only downside to it was that once folded and out of sight in the boot it cut into the space available for luggage. It was necessary to travel light when you left home in an SLK.The new SLK that arrived in 2004 expanded on the original SLK theme, further refining it and making it even better.  While the basics remained the same - it was a two-seater with a folding metal roof - the details were quite different.For starters it was longer and wider, the extra space being used to enlarge the interior and make it more comfortable.  There were also reshaped seats, a new dash with a central computer screen, new switches, and new plastics for the dash and console that were more durable for top-down motoring.On top of the new dimensions was a new, more aggressive look with a droop snoot reminiscent of the McLaren-Mercedes Grand Prix cars of the time.  The snoot was central in a new grille and flanked by new headlamps.The engine choices ranged from a supercharged four to a V6, and on to a stonking 5.5-litre V8 if you had the wherewithal to afford an AMG-  tweaked SLK 55.The AMG model aside, the regular SLK delivered 120 kW and 240 Nm when powered by the 1.8-litre blown four, 170 kW and 300 Nm with the 3.0-  litre V6, or 200 kW and 350 Nm with the 3.5-litre V6.  The standard transmission was a seven-speed auto, but there was also a six-speed manual available. IN THE SHOPGenerally robust and reliable the SLK gives little mechanical trouble.  The folding metal roof is a complex piece of gear, make sure it works and seals properly as repairs and adjustment could be expensive. Check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission.  It can be worthwhile finding an independent specialist for servicing if you want to save a little money on maintenance.ON THE ROADThe original SLK was considered to be dull by many people, but the   new 2004 model couldn't be described in such a way.  With its stiffer body and larger footprint it was a great driving car, whether you preferred cruising or wanted a more spirited drive.The V6 engine in particular was smooth and refined, with wonderfully smooth power delivery over a broad rev range.  Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the six-speed manual gearbox, for despite Mercedes' best efforts it was still an awkward, slow shifting unit.The auto transmission was a much better choice, and most buyers would have gone that route, given that the auto was the standard fit.IN A CRASHWith a taut, responsive chassis boasting anti-skid brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control, overlaid with a comprehensive array of airbags the SLK was well equipped to handle a crunch.AT THE PUMPThe fuel consumption of sports cars tends to vary quite markedly depending on the way they are driven, but despite this the SLK is   relatively economical.  On test the SLK 350 typically returned around 13 L/100 km, and would do better than that if driven with a soft pedal.LOOK FORMore aggressive looksSuper smooth V6 engines Sportier handlingRoomier cabinMore comfortableCoupe refinement,Roadster funTHE BOTTOM LINEOut with the dull, in with the fun, the updated SLK was a joy to drive.RATING 85/100

When most of us think of sports cars the image of a small, light, two-seater high on performance, but with few creature comforts, usually springs to mind. The image is a very British one, which can be explained by the predominance of British sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s when sports cars were a popular mode of transport.Anyone who cared, or dared, to look beyond the British brands, like MG, Austin-Healey or Triumph, would have found many other brands building distinctly different sports cars. Brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz were taking quite a different path with their cars, which didn’t fit the familiar British mould.Mercedes in particular was building sports cars on a much grander scale. Where British companies achieved levels of performance by using small mildly tuned engines in lightweight chassis, the Germans typically used bigger, more powerful engines in bigger cars.It was the same when the new wave of sports cars arrived in the late 1990s. The British sports cars were mostly confined to history by then, although MG enjoyed a resurgence and followed the old power-to-weight tradition by building a small light car with a tuned engine.Mazda mostly followed British tradition with the MX5, a small light car with a nimble chassis and a modestly tuned engine, while Mercedes followed its traditional path with the SLK, which was more sophisticated with lots of creature comforts to make the sports car experience a more enjoyable one for those not necessarily hooked on old time sports cars.MODEL WATCHThere was plenty of choice when Mercedes launched the SLK in 1997. Mazda had made sports cars popular once again and by 1997 there was a plethora of models on offer from a number of companies.No matter what your budget you could find a slinky drop top to suit your wants and desires.At $98,500 the SLK slotted into the middle segment of the market. It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t the most expensive sports car on the market either.Typically Mercedes the SLK came packed with the latest technology. It had a clever steel roof that folded out of sight into the boot when you wanted to soak up the sun, but provided all of the security and comfort of a coupe when raised.It was the best of both worlds and the forerunner of many more models that would follow in the years after the SLK’s arrival.The only downside to the roof was that it slashed the available boot space once it was lowered. It was best to travel lightly if you were touring in an SLK.Chunky was the best word to describe the SLK with its wedge shape and large flanks, but it was attractive whichever way you looked at it.It was a little cramped inside, but it was stylish. The seats were typically ’Benz, flat and broad, which meant most people would fit in them, but they didn’t provide the best of support in the sports car tradition.The trim was a dashing blend of bright colours, leather of course, and there was a touch of nostalgia with the classical instruments and retro alloy touches on the centre console.At first there was just the one engine option available. It was a supercharged 2.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that pumped out 142 kW at 5300 revs and 280 Nm at 2500 revs.When stirred into action the SLK230 was capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.As with the engine there was only one choice when it came to transmissions, and it was a five-speed auto. True, it could be shifted manually when you wanted to up the fun stakes, but it wasn’t in the class of the Porsche Tiptronic, and a long way short of a real manual ’box.Underneath lay independent suspension front and rear, four wheel discs with ABS, traction control and power steering.Inside there was standard air-conditioning, power windows, the roof was powered, remote central locking, immobiliser, and dual airbags.On the road the SLK behaved well. It handled nicely, rode comfortably, braked with assurance, but was geared more to highway driving than spirited driving down a winding country lane.A few months after the initial launch Mercedes offered a slightly cheaper SLK200 model with a 100 kW unblown 2.0-litre engine in place of the supercharged 2.3-litre unit.IN THE SHOPMercedes-Benz cars generally stand the test of time well, and with around 100,000 km on average on the odometer the SLK models are still in their prime when it comes to service.When checking one with the thought of purchase check for a service record because it’s better to buy one that has been cared for by a ’Benz dealer or at least an acknowledged specialist than one that hasn’t been serviced properly.Have it checked by a specialist who knows the make and model.Unlike some other sports cars the SLK is unlikely to be used in motor sport so they’re not normally abused.OWNERS SAYJanice Hyndman has travelled 54,000 km in her SLK230 and loves driving it, particularly on a sunny day when she can lower the roof. She loves the uncluttered, classical style, says it has sufficient power, and the boot is roomy enough for her needs. While she says it’s comfortable for her, her husband finds it a little cramped, particularly in the foot wells. Apart from a window winder motor that required replacing Janice says her SLK has been very reliable.LOOK FOR• Classical styling• great folding steel roof• comfortable ride• secure handling• good performanceTHE BOTTOM LINEGood looking drop top that makes a perfect cruiser on a sunny day.RATING90/100

The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was one of the earliest examples of the modern day open-top car. Earlier versions weren't really sports cars; rather, they were open-top tourers. With each new model, the SLK moved more in the direction of genuine sports driving, perhaps not a full-on sports machine, except in AMG variants, but getting mighty close.This was one of the first convertibles in modern times to use a folding hardtop, something that's become almost the norm since Mercedes revived the concept that dates back to the 1930s.A disadvantage of the hardtop that folds is the amount of space it takes from the boot when it's not in use. Mercedes has managed the compromise well, but check for yourself to make sure there is enough room for your specific needs.The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was launched late in 2004. It's larger than the original and followed a styling theme sort of based on the front of a Formula One car.The third generation arrived downunder in September 2011, only a couple of months after its European launch - illustrating the growing importance of Australia to the German head office. This time its styling made it look like a smaller version of the AMG SLS sports roadster. While the Mercedes SLK doesn't have a bonnet that stretches to the outrageous length the SLS's, it certainly does make a statement.The Mercedes-Benz SLK was launched only with four-cylinder engines, many of which were supercharged. Later models followed convention by being turbocharged instead.Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expectA major revamp of the SLK in July 2000 saw a V6 being offered for the first time. Big-gun V8 models, heavily revised from the original by the AMG division, have stunning acceleration backed up by superb engine sounds.Most Mercedes SLKs use an automatic transmission. A six-speed manual option was offered in Australia only on the SLK200 Kompressor.Mercedes SLK is backed up by strong dealer networks. Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expect.Insurance is generally moderately priced for a car in this class, but drivers with a poor record may have big slugs added to their premiums. Some companies will charge extra for the AMG variant.Many Mercedes-Benz SLKs are serviced by authorised dealerships and this adds to the value of the car at resale time. Ask to see the service books as proof. Smart owners then keep up the service record to maximise the value of their SLK when they eventually want to move onto another car.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roofLook over the interior for signs of an SLK that's been caught in the rain with its top down: water damage or stains, particularly in the dash top, instrument panel, seats and carpets. Lift the carpets to check for dampness. It's probably best to do this in the presence of the seller as technically you're pulling the car apart.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roof. Hesitation and/or creaks may mean it hasn't been lubricated correctly. Dealers tell us special lubricants are required.Check for signs of crash repairs: ripples in the panels when viewed end on are easy to spot, as are tiny paint spots on unpainted areas such as glass and badges.If crash repairs appear to have been carried out arrange for a full inspection by someone who specialises in upmarket cars.Always call in a Mercedes expert for the final wordThe engine should start promptly and idle steadily the moment it fires up. The four-cylinder units won't be quite as smooth as the sixes, but not that far from them.Check the gauge to make sure the engine warms up quickly.During your road test the engines should answer the throttle almost immediately. The supercharged 'Kompressor' units and the non-turbo engines will have a faster response than the turbo-petrols.After doing your own initial checks always call in a Mercedes expert for the final word.We check the condition of the left front wheel and tyre of any car before looking at anything else. A scratch probably indicates a poor driver. Multiple scratches and dings? Perhaps look elsewhere.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004, 2005, 2008 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK as a used buy.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of automotive recalls, with models from Citroen, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi and Peugeot affected.

Thousands of vehicles are caught up in a long round of recalls that involves everything from Takata airbags to incorrectly-printed tyre placards.