Mercedes-Benz SLK Mercedes-Benz SLK

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Expensive Mercedes-Benz SLK repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (13%)

Suspension and Steering (4%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (17%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 24 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Mercedes-Benz SLK repair cost distribution

$2500+ (22%)

$1000 - $2499 (78%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 18 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

415-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

38000 mi

US $5000
Poly carbonate roof was cracked. Happens on a statistically significant number of these vehicles. 

Return to top

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

300-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

41000 mi

US $1300
replace differential. bad bearing, made noise. warranty out on time. MB reduced cost by 1/2 due to low miles. 

Return to top

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

355-horsepower 5.4L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

58000 mi

US $1400
Engine gaskets replaced, brakes and oil changed too. 

Return to top

2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

228-horsepower 3.0L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

US $48500 Leaked water into the trunk @ 326 miles new. 
53000 mi

US $896
Rotors drums and pads replaced 
52000 mi

US $1057
Rear brakes replaced 
62000 mi

US $1200
Replaced front and back brakes, pads, rotors Replaced convertible top switch 

Return to top

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Engine not specified

65000 mi

US $6375
car gear feels like it is in neutral when in gear. need to replace valve body and transmission b/c they found metal pieces in transmission pan. 

Return to top

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

65100 mi

A $16000
Replaced fuel pump - under Alliance warranty no charge to me. 
41400 mi

US $770
Power steering leak. 
47000 mi

US $2300
Replace compressor. Navigation system DVD reader failed. 
52300 mi

US $1900
Defective speed sensor plate. 
68000 mi

US $700
Needed 2 motor mounts and 1 transmission mount. 
62600 mi

US $1200
belt drive 
72000 mi

US $700
there was an oil leak from under the engine that was found during a regular scheduled service. The oil seals had to be changed. the left front blinker stops working even after the bulb was replaced several times during and after warranty. 
74000 mi

US $1200
AC was blowing hot air (not cooling). Service tech recharged AC and found it was still not cooling, replaced compression, coil, compressor grill and a bunch of other parts. 
76000 mi

US $300
Instrument Cluster stopped working. Check Engine Light. Diagnosis said electronic key is faulty. Replaced key and erased code. 
81000 mi

US $600
thermostat was causing check engine light. had to be diagnosed, and replaced. 
84100 mi

US $996
electronic fuel system stopped working and the car stopped dead in traffic. Had to be towed to the repair shop where a new fuel system was installed. The cause was diagnosed to be a faulty exhaust manifold (had a leak). The leak was also repaired. 
43680 mi

A $600
Oil leaking from cam magnet seal. (Engine timing affected) 
55800 mi

A $1500
Replaced engine mounts and transmission mount. Also changed brake fluid. AMAZING difference to ride and drive. Much smoother and predictable. Could have driven longer with it but really glad I had it done. 
58280 mi

A $450
Idler pulley replaced. Slight noise (like a bird chirping ) . Could have waited. WHilst it was worn, it didn't fix the chirping noise, which is from a leaking gasket. 

Return to top

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

268-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed manual RWD

119000 mi

US $1200
Replaced front struts and aligned vehicle Slight oil leak at fitting to cooler 

Return to top

2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

178000 mi

US $1021
Received P2023--004 Tech Code Report . Had to replace and clean out several items to remove exhaust engine deposits from air pump activation system, which comes on when the engine is cold and starts up. A relay assy. part #170-545-03-05 also had to be replaced by the Mercedes Dealer. Part cost $241and labor was $605. After that I was able to get my smog test completed. 

Return to top

2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

133920 mi

€2000
welding the exhaust pipe 

Return to top

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

supercharged 190hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

118000 mi

US $1950
replaced pump and cylinders for convertible top cost Aprx. $2,000.00 

Return to top

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2dr Hardtop conv.

215-horsepower 3.2L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

130200 mi

C $1900
Multiple fault codes - due to corrosion of connected to ECU  Seats not moving - fault not found Rotors and brake pads and rear calipers replaced 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Convertibles
See TrueDelta's information for all Mercedes-Benz models.

Mercedes-Benz SLK Expensive Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Mercedes-Benz SLK problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.