1999 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class

My SLK was a frustrating piece of engineering!

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating: 2

No doubt that Chrysler had an influence on the design of this car. The parts inside the car were very cheaply made and looses its shine and color. The car is a lot of work to maintain its look and ride. I would try to get the SL class or the CLK first before buying the SLK. It's really more of a barbie doll car, definitely not a man's vehicle.

SLK230 Longterm Owner

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my '99 SLK230 new. It is the base model and my favorite commuting car. I now have over 110K on it and it has been a very good car. I have had what seems to be pattern failures on the vehicle. MAF sensor right around 70K miles, K40 Relay failed at 78K and I found and re-soldered the melted connection and it has been good ever sense. I did encounter a noisy camshaft variable timing unit which was the most expensive part I've replaced, part cost was close to $400. and I'm a Euro car tech so fixed it myself. The electrical connector on the transmissions leak fluid about every 5 year/50K miles. I've replaced one plastic shift bushing and think the second one is now due.

Fun and reliable Mercedes roadster

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

My car is a '99 SLK230 Komp with sport pack, in auto. The build quality is mechanically solid, though interior is minimal with some cheap bits (expect rattles, paint flaking). An all weather daily driver, put about 20k miles on it in 2.5 years, and nothings failed yet (at 90k miles). The drive is sporty and stiff, with moderate accel (185hp/ 200ft lbs). Road volume's loud, but so is the Bose stereo. Interior accomodations are perfect for smaller people, as the wheel base is pretty short, but big people will feel cramped. In general, a great little convertible with classy style that is fun at safe speeds and has a driving experience I enjoy. It's just better than its competition...

Fun car, troublesome power top. 5 speed manual.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Cool car, but the top can be very troublesome (and expensive to fix). If you are considering buying, make sure top is in good working order. Fun to drive, but 4 cylinder is a little weak and doesn't sound great. Bose stereo is terrific. Ride is harsh, but to be expected. No mechanical problems in the 10k miles I've had the car (90k-100k), seems reliable. Also, be careful you don't close the top on something rigid - you will shatter the rear window glass. Ask me how I know.

Small, Simple and Fun!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is great. After I bought this car, I looked at many reviews on the SLK and it got a lot of scorn and bad reviews about bad handling and mediocre performance ect. But the SLK230 is honestly a fantastic car to own. I have the one with the sport AMG package which adds the AMG body kit and wheels, but not a suspension upgrade as I assumed until I looked it up. This car is built solidly, when Mercedes was good and not overly complicated with computers, and for that reason I believe its so reliable. The reliability for me could rival a Toyota, no problems at all. The handling is excellent. It stays flat in the corners and is extremely nimble with good steering feel.

too much fun!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought my SLK in 2006 with 110,000 miles on it. I've owned six Benzes, all used when I bought them. The SLK is the most expensive to maintain and worth every penny. One reason I bought this car is the manual transmission, something SLs haven't had in the US since 1972. It's way too easy to get a speeding ticket with this car. I actually prefer a soft top with seasonal hard top (as on my 190 SL and 230 SL) The retracting top is OK too but needs maintenance.

1999 SLK230

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my 1999 SLK used in September 2008 with only 25,000 miles on the odometer, which is very low miles for a 9 year old car. This model has a timeless style that still looks new....everyone who see's it cannot believe its not just a couple years old instead of 9. It's definitely an attention getter, mine is black on black. I now have 38,000 miles on it and all I've had maintenance wise is oil changes and tires. At 52, I plan on this being the last car I own, I'd never get rid of it!

Great Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car for my 80 year old mother in 1999.She had a lot of nice cars over the years. I took my driving test in her 190 SL in 1955. This SLK was her last car, she passed away in 2007. Presently it only has 16800 miles on it. Silver body, red and black 2 tone seats. It is a bit uncomfortable, not much seat padding. The supercharger provides quick pick up. It did have a top problem early on,that was fixed in a recall. It also had an interior paint problem. Some of the dash and side panels are red painted plastic. The red paint started to flake. I understand the Mercedes did fix some of them early on. I had it repainted. The base color on all SLK's interior plastic was black.

Fun Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car for my Mom in November of 1988. She was 82 years old at the time, and while she loved the car, she was mad we did not get the stick shift! She always liked the SL's. I took my driving test in a 190 SL back in the 50's. It was a stick shift. When I visited her in Fla,she would take me out in her 230 SLK. The original tires gave out in 10,000 miles. It also had the roof problem, but that was fixed under warranty. Her car is silver with a red and black interior. They apperently used some type of red paint on the interior parts, and that started to chip, Mercedes did repair some on a selective basis. Mom passed away in 2007. She drove until age 90. Car is in CT now with 15,500 miles on it

So much fun!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I am loving every minute of it. The sport package is a must, as it "beefens" the look of the SLK. I am used to V-8, but the turbo picks up quick! Make sure to get an extended warranty, if possible, as MB is known for its mechanical problems. Had a defective camshaft position sensor within the first 2 weeks of ownership, but warranty covered it. Has been known to have recurring problems with the PSE pump (locks the doors and sets the alarm). Check out online forums to get a feel for potential problems of the SLK. Overall, this vehicle is sexy! You will love every minute of driving. I get stares everywhere I go, with the top up, down, and in between. Friends call it the bat-mobile.

1999 Merecedes SLK230 Kompressor

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I puechased my pre-owned 1999 SLK230 in 2008, for $9995. It had 115,000 miles on the odometer. The near flawless exterior burgundy paint finish, and the excellent unretouched condition of the interior hinted that this car had not been abused. The SLK230 looks best when viewed from a 3/4 view at the rear. It is definitely sexy, and draws a lot of attention when being driven. This car is best put through its sportscar paces when driven by an experienced driver who knows how to shift the 4-speed automatic tranny manually. Downshift to 3rd when entering a curve, and then floor it at the apex of the curve. It will rocket out of the curve as if on rails. And still give 25-30MPG. Wow

Too much fun!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This car handles superbly, accelerates quickly for a 4-cylinder, and is comfortable and fairly quiet with the top on at high speeds (watch that!). It takes about a minute to trade the quiet and safety of a hard top for the thrill of a convertible. Everyone except my wife loves this car (maybe it's those speeding tickets).

Best of the Best

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is the very best car I have every owned and driven! The only flaw that needs to be mentioned is the interior "rubber/vinyl" paint finish, applied to components, peels off after long exposure with human body parts resting on it. Example the outside of your knee where it touches middle console and where your arm rests(due to body temp. & moisture). It will also chip-off, if your not careful, when fastening the seat belt as it can stike middle console as well(Mercedes-Benz please fix). Cheers!

Cr2006

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It has been an extreme fun and reliable experience. Never want to get rid of it. The only "but"? If you gain weight, you can't fit! Perfect car for two. Not good for drives longer then 6 hours. Beautiful interior and exterior. Never looks old!

'99 Mercedes SLK 230 Roadster

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought this 4-year old used roadster for $22,000 out the door. This has been the funnest cars I've ever owned. I've had some minor problems but nothing too pricey. Brakes lasted only 15,000 miles which I thought was a bit soon, but since it's a safety feature no sense fighting. No other major issues to report. Biggest issue is the lack of trunk space. If it's a choice between my golf clubs and my wife, my clubs are in the passenger seat. She can drive herself. :) Overall, a fun, well-built car.

A Blast to Drive!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is so much fun to drive! On a beautiful spring/summer/fall day, fold the hard top into the trunk and cruise around in this sporty turbocharged convertible.

I luv my bumble bee!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car about 3 months ago with 70,000 miles on it, and it has been nothing but a complete joy to drive for me. I am one of the few that took the plunge and bought the yellow, and this car stands out in the crowd and definitely draws a compliment everywhere I go. It is fun to dirve, but definitely has the Mercedes feeling to it, sexy with a lot of luxury and style!

One drive won me over

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have never owned a Mercedes before (Toyota, Honda and Acura) and was frankly a little skeptical that the three pointed start was really worth the premium. At any rate, while on the lot looking at another vehicle we saw the SLK and decided to take it for a spin, just for a lark. Wow! A warm summer afternoon - a twisty road by the water's edge - brilliant blue skies - let's just say we never really had a chance! It was love at first drive. 2 months later we are still blissing out each time we take it for a drive.

Watch The Roof On This Car

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I have had this car for approximately 2months now, and I'm a bit disappointed. I have to say this car doesn't get as many looks as the Z3 that my sister owns. I thought the roof was one of the great things about this car until I started having trouble with it about a week after I bought it and the dealer doesn't want to fix it. It's going to cost me $850 just to get the roof working, and $350 to fix a balljoint. For as expensive as it was when it was new, I don't think it should have these problems already with only 60,000 miles on it. But I have to say I do like driving it when it's not in the shop. I just have to be careful, when the sun goes down the top doesn't come up out of the trunk.

Too much fun!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

i purchased this car very used with 103,700 mileson it, but very very clean. Had a problem with the micro switches in the roof but the dealer fixed it, and it works great now. This thing moves. I can go from zero to ticket way too fast. A tad stiff for the old bones, but heck it's a sports car. Even scooting in the mountains and freeways, I got 28mpg over a 500 mi. drive. I love it.

Fun and classy

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased the car last summer with 29,000 miles on it. No regrets. It is fun to drive, and I constantly get compliments. Only problem was some bad microswitches for the roof (a known problem for 1999). Once they were replaced, the car has been flawless. Acceleration is good, with a wide power band. Just fun to drive with the top up, or especially down.

Great Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

This car is my first Benz and I have always wanted a convertible Benz. Mine has over 80,000 miles on it now and the feeling I have is that I don't really need a new car. This car has timeless styling, is very practical, gets great gas mileage and performs well. I have heard you can drive these things for 150,000 miles if you want without a lot of problems. This is a real Mercedes and it acts like one - not like a normal car that becomes obsolete at a certain point.

Classy Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just purchased this car a couple of weeks ago with 57k miles on it and I love the style, exterior (Glacier white) and two tone (black/oyster) interior. I replaced the tires after about a week of owning it and it cut down on the road noise tremendously! This also has shocks not struts so they are easy to replace if you need to. Engine is so quiet you can't tell its running at a stop light. The convertible top is great! Like having two cars in one. Trunk is huge...I'm a realtor and I have room to place my signs in the trunk among other things. This was a lease car previously and seems like it was very well maintained. I will update in a few months of ownership.

Be cautious with this car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 1

I have had the car about 1.5years now and I have to say this car is a mixed bag. While its fun to drive, comfy for long rides, enjoyable in general it looses a lot of luster because its plagued with so many problems. Many cheap problems like peeling dash paint, rubbing c pillar, etc. Do your research before you get this car or you may regret it dearly, as I have. The car since I bought it used as averaged a breakdown or malfunction ever 1.5 months, not an okay record for a car this expensive. My Starmark warranty is up and I will be getting rid of the car unfortunately.

Love my Benz

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 with high miles, but being as though it was a seasonal car, and I had always wanted one I made the plunge and I am happy I did. From the first day I got it I had nothing but compliments weather it be from people I know to a complete stranger passing by on the nice warm days with the top down. But that's only the start. this car has great styling and awesome fuel milage. At 92,000 miles, nothing major has gone wrong. The electrical compents went out before I got the car but the previous owner fixed it. It cost about $1,000 to fix. Other than that Its an awesome car so far.

Overall - Great Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Great 2 seater My Favorite Features are: Hard top convertible Speed Brakes Suggested Improvement: Quieter Engine More Durable Interior Higher Car (Needs More Head room)

Great Looks, Great Fun

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

What are great looking fun to drive car. I have owned this car since 2-02, the fit & finish is unbelieveable! I get comments almost everytime I am in contact with people when I am driving, ie fast food drive throughs, in parking lots etc... I have had some leaking issues, all handled under warranty, and a problem with exterior bulbs melting into the assemblies which once was under warranty, the other time at my expense, to the tune of 260.00! No mechanical problems however.

cool caah

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Definite head turner! Ride is so much better than a 330 ci. Crisp 5-speed. Respectible fuel mileage. Only 14 gallon tank though. Yeah, it's gotta super-charger!

99 SLK Review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The car is amazing and gets a lot of attention. I've owned it for 4 years now and plan on keeping it for a long time. The retro look - both inside and out is timeless. Although it's terrible in snow or rain - when it's sunny out - it is my favorite car to own.

Great car.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This car definitely gets attention when I drive. If you really want attention, drop the Vario-roof while waiting at an intersection. To me, 192 horsepower engine with 200 ft. pounds of torque is plenty zippy for me. I like the short gearing since it provides more torque, which is what you want in U.S. (seeing how we have 60~70MPH speed limits.) There is no performance difference between the automatic and manual trannies. I've had the car for two years and I've never had so much fun. I play golf and I can pack 2 smaller golf bags -- Ping L8 bags -- into the trunk by placing woods on top of the bags (this is with the roof up, of course.)

SLK230

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I had a great experience with this vehicle. No negatives!

Two KOMPRESSOR Family

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Just picked up a low milage SLK and I love it... It's not a winter car but I know that. I just hope it can take a beating like my 1988 Superchaged MR2(255,000+ Miles) only time will tell.

great value!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The '99 SLK 230 fully loaded manual transmission has been an incredibly fun car to drive and a serious attention grabber. My only complaints about the car have been the uncomfortable seats and unusability in anything more than 1 inch of snow. Other than those two things, an amazign car at a very good price.

FLY WITH ME

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

awesome car..fantastic styling..great looks. good way to get noticed. great vario roof...

Great Car - Mediocre Quality

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

The styling of this car both inside and out is excellent. MB seems to be losing their edge on quality. For a car just shy of $50,000, I would expect a vehicle put together much better. At 25,000 miles the dash lights have gone out, A/C fan has quit, windows do not fit tight (leak), door panels are coming unglued and the central locking system works intermittently. MB is still good on service. All of the above have been repaired (under warranty) and a nice new E-Class was provided while the repairs were done. However, I remember not so long ago when you bought a new MB you never had to deal with these type of problems.

Sooo much fun you'll fall in love

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I never thought of owning an SLK until a friend had suggested test driving one. Since then, I have been more than impressed with the performance and overall quality. I did run into a manufacturer's defect with the side door panel. The Mercedes dealer gave me a loaner and fixed it right up.

Fun and Practical

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Of all the roadsters out there under $50k, this one is the easiest to live with every day without giving up the fun. The retractable hard-top means you have a coupe with the top up. The trunk is 9 cubic ft, better than any other roadster. Power is great from a dead stop, but it does hesistate a little when accelerating at speed. Reliability has been great.