OK I called a mechanic today (non dealership type) and asked his opinion of the 06 280 SLK. He said they're still under Chrysler at that point so expect electrical problems, but solid mechanically. He did mnetion it was a pretty ne wcar and hadn't seen many come through with issues of any kind.
Anyone have any annoying electrical problems?
He said it could get expensive....
I was glad to hear they were solid mechanically....still looking for a silver 06.
It's just my opinion but I think you asked the wrong "mechanic". I've been visiting the various forums since April 2004 and electrical problems have never been a major problem with SLK's. The electrical system is pure German technology. I've had my SLK since November 2004 with ZERO problems.
It's just my opinion but I think you asked the wrong "mechanic". I've been visiting the various forums since April 2004 and electrical problems have never been a major problem with SLK's. The electrical system is pure German technology. I've had my SLK since November 2004 with ZERO problems.
Would agree - in all my research I never came across these types of problems - and can't see the electrics on the 280 being any different to a 200 or 350.
Most of the electronics in Mercedes, even while they owned Chrysler, was MB's original products. They didn't take a lot of stuff from Chrysler, but they did contribute a lot of stuff to their cars (the Crossfire is almost entirely composed of bits and pieces from the old SLK, and the 300C is basically an E type).
However, that being said, the SLK contains also a lot less electronics then the other MB's. It's a smaller car, and supposed to be a sporty convertible. The first model year of any car will tend to have the most problems, and the SLK had some issues with a "clock spring" which was later found to be a bad wiring in the steering column. But this problem has not surfaced since mid-2005.
If you want a reliable convertible, go for an MX5 or an S2000. They're good cars as well, and contain even less electronics. But you pays what you get. My SLK is soon 4 years old, and it runs like from day one.
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New car: 2004 SLK 55 AMG, Iridium silver.
Additional: Chrome door lock pins, K&N Performance Filters, Piecha roof control module
Sold: 1998 SLK 230K, Linarite blue.
Brabus: Front spoiler, side skirts, rear apron, exhaust, gear shift + hand brake, 17" Monoblock IV, hubcaps/wheel locks, Aluminium doorlock pins, polished safety roll bars, Brabus logo
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Additional: Chrome side indicator frames, Chrome SRS badges, CLK grill, Lorinser Wing, Rieger headlight covers
Have a 2004 SLK (They launched earlier in UK) that I bought about 9 months ago and it has been back to the dealers about 10 times for various bits all of which in some way are electrical:
Seat base clunking - they replaced seat base
Seat back heating not working - replaced element
Seat electrics all failed - New seat
Aircon failed numerous times with leaks etc (Think this is more becuase they didn't repair it all properly the first time)
12V Socket not working
None of them are very serious (Although not being able to move seat was bad) mechanically no problems whatsoever. Luckily becuase it was main dealer all have been covered under 12 month warranty but given just a new seat base is £800 I for one will (For the first time on any car) be buying the extended warranty!
Have a 2004 SLK (They launched earlier in UK) that I bought about 9 months ago and it has been back to the dealers about 10 times for various bits all of which in some way are electrical:
Seat base clunking - they replaced seat base
Seat back heating not working - replaced element
Seat electrics all failed - New seat
Aircon failed numerous times with leaks etc (Think this is more becuase they didn't repair it all properly the first time)
12V Socket not working
None of them are very serious (Although not being able to move seat was bad) mechanically no problems whatsoever. Luckily becuase it was main dealer all have been covered under 12 month warranty but given just a new seat base is £800 I for one will (For the first time on any car) be buying the extended warranty!
So I'd tend to re-enforce that on pretty much any MB the repair costs are high, but not out of step with the original price of the car. I've owned 3 (2 c's and now an SLK), and all were CPO cars. I've also been lucky in that none have hand anything other than minor problems one would expect of 3-4 year old cars..
Having MB warranty on the cars has always provided piece of mind, and it's one of those "is it worth 1k additional cost" for the coverage...
Well good to hear in MOST cases the electricals were fine. I can imagine small problems of anykind could drive one mad....my first cars back in college were chevy's. I will never own a chevy product again. Had so many small issues it drove me crazy.
I currently drive an mx-5 and love the reliability and almost 0 cost. Just lacks in all the other areas, stlye, luxery, ride, etc...
I'm ready to move up and just wnat to try not to walk into a money pit. Thanks for all the great feed back.
Ah, an MX5 is definitely a nice little car, I'm a big fan. Is it an NA, NB, NC... ?
The 'bits and pieces' may indeed be more expensive for an SLK versus a MX5. But then again, you said you want to move up.
It's part of the german car ownership experience. Unfortunately, it really is a gamble. Some cars are absolutely fabulous, never break, others may end up having all kinds of problems. Luckily, buying an SLK now after it has been out for a few years, should result in a more reliable overall package. It's the case for everything out there. Even the MX5's haven't been totally trouble free in their first year runs (#4 bearing problem in the first year run of the NB model comes to mind).
If you're buying new, you'll at least have warranty. Sometimes you can haggle it up for extra, or pay for extended warranty. At least the car will be covered fully for those first 3, 5 or 10 years (whatever it is that you end up getting).
[quote=Shinigami;2960236]Ah, an MX5 is definitely a nice little car, I'm a big fan. Is it an NA, NB, NC... ?
Yikes....no idea what the letters mean...sorry. I'm going to guess that it's the body so I'll say NB. It's the second gen body style, I like it much more than the last version. I think they went back to the original roots. When i see onecoming towards me I have to try to figure out if it's a first gen or 3rd. I heard a lot of original owner didn't like th e2nd gen so I'm thinking they went to please them with a retro design.
The new interior is amazing and I'm sure the ride is sooo much better
I do agree....it's a great car. As close to a go cart as you can get. I have enjoyed it...."now for something completely different" as they say.
Really would like the hard top...must be very civilized on hte highway with the top up.
Nice to hear someone talk about the Miata with respect....it usually gets tossed out as a girls car. Call me a girl....I'm having a lot of fun with my cars!!!
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