Okay.....I don't own an SLK, a friend of mine does and I'm trying to help her out.

I can't contact her for more information for a few days, but the jist of the problem is that when she steps on the gas, the RPMs go up, but there's a lag before the vehicle gets moving. She says this only happens first thing in the morning....ambient temps are in the 60's that time of day right now.

It sounds like a non-engine/fuel delivery problem to me since the RPMs are climbing as throttle is applied. I'm guessing it's something in the trans (but admittedly have no real knowledge of the MB product line.....well, except that UNIMOGS kick serious *** ). Any chance that the SLK uses something similar to a lot of auto transmissions where the computer is getting its required voltage directly from the battery and any corrosion on the terminal might cause an intermittent voltage drop? I'm hoping for something simple since she's not mechanically inclined in the least.

I'm suggesting she take it to the dealer and have them look at it, but it's out of warranty. Just wanted to try and get some opinions or see if anyone else has had this issue and take care of the simple stuff before going to the dealer.

Thanks in advance,
Sean

 

She describes the problem to you, then you describe it to me, then I walk away with my understanding. A lot can get lost in that translation.

When the car is cold the transmission delays the first two gear shifts. It only does this once, maybe twice. It's a scheme M-B came up with to lower the toxic output of their fleet by lighting the cat converters quicker. The shifts are at about 3K rpm. It may feel like the car isn't going, but that's because the rpm are revving up and she isn't pressing down aggressively on the gas pedal (not that she should).

Ask her if this fits her problem. If so, it's normal.

 

Thanks so much for the explanation. I realize a lot gets lost in translation and I didn't have the time to really get enough specs (not that she'd know them) to get a really detailed description of the problem. I'll try contacting her and see if I can get more info.

Thank you very much for the help.

I know a lot about vehicles in general but practically nothing about MB.

Proof:

Built it from nothing. Not quite finished yet though.

Sean

 

I can see it...a Mercedes v12 powered rock crawler! You could name her "Beauty in the Beast".

 

Cool beans. What's the story?

I don't mean to be a killjoy, but are you going to able to get that out of the garage when it's done? It looks like you have to squeeze it out even now.

 

Talked to her again today.....seems she's now thinking it's "like it's sucking air".......Whatever the hell that means, LOL.


She says what you described has happened since she's had the car and is normal (as you said) but now it's doing something different.

She's going to take it to the dealer though to find out what's up.



As for the killjoy....don't worry...the door has the auto door opener unhooked in the pic and it's pulled down at least a foot for a little shade from the AZ sun. The top of the buggy chassis is 76" (an inch or so shorter than my old 4x4). Width is 84" from outside tire to outside tire. Belly's at 24.5" with 40" tires. It easily fits out my door opening....it's 86" high.

Thanks again for the help.

Sean