Hello Group!
After searching long and hard, I am about to purchase my first slk. It's a fully loaded 99 with 40K, and comes from an older couple (non-smokers) that used it as their weekend car. It's never been abused, and looks immaculate inside and out. They are also providing me with service receipts, manuals, ect. You can tell they loved this car!! The only problem is that maybe it's too old, and I should look for a 2000 or 2001. I have seen a few from dealers and priate owners, but none were as pristine as this one. I am buying it for $18,000 which seems to be a great deal considering the low milage and stunning condition. Others I have looked at are around the same price (or a bit more) with over double the miles. Can someone please give me some advice, or tell me of any problems with 99's. Thanks a lot!
Tom

 

I DID JUST PURCHASE A 1999 SLK 230 AUTO, BLK WITH 9K MILES FOR $25,000 CAR IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION, LOVE THE CAR, NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.

 

I've had my 99 slk230 for about a month. bought it with 32K miles, also spotless inside and out. No service info tho. Already had several brake/marker/parking light problems, a little corner post rash on the driver's side, odd noises on start up etc. A weekend of fumbling around in my garage has everything working right and my wife (its really her car) and I love the car. Can't imagine you having many problems with your car's history. but you never know. You're asking the right people in the forum tho, these guys have seen and done it all.

 

I love my SLK 230. It is a '99 too. The only three problems I have had are some slight problems with the radio/cd player and the crank position sensor, which was a recall issue a few years back. Sometimes when it gets wet from a heavy rain or car wash the car did not accelerate properly. Water seeps through the housing around the sensor I guess. Any certified mechanic can fix it easily and will know immediately what you're talking about if it happens to yours. The third is a constant problem with the brake light nto staying in place properly. Occassionally I have to get in there (Mercedes makes it easy) and re-tighten the brake light. Just one of those annoying things! Luckily there is a dash light to alert you to the problem if it happens. I think this too is a problem with more of these than just mine.

 

The Brake light problem is a causing problems for some. The contact area bertween bulb holder and light unit is not very good.
Arcing "may" occur. This causes heat and stops globe from working.
Remove holder and check yours for damage.
Can be remeded a bit by cleaning contacts and bending them for a bit more pressure.

More info on this site. http://www.benzworld.org/forums

Bazzle