Buying a used Mercedes SLK R171 - 2004-2011, Review with Common Issues

differentcarre...
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz SLK R171 - produced from 2004 to 2011
What is the best engine, which gearbox should you choose, what are the common problems with these cars? How powerful are the best engines? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions!
What to look for when buying a used Mercedes SLK class R171 advice / guide
used Mercedes SLK R171 review
Mercedes SLK 200, SLK 280, SLK 300, SLK 350
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[@differentcarreview-dcr]

Buying a used Mercedes CLK (W209/C209) - 2002-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKWWo5aQiJeinsU Buying a used Mercedes E55 AMG, E63 AMG (W211) - 2003-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5qqqGuVjrF_apY Buying a used Mercedes SL R230 - 2001-2011 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGjCkmakedJslac Buying a used Mercedes SL R129 - 1989-2001 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ63hHuvpcpqi7c Buying a used Audi TT (8J) - 2006-2014 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZLZeqOtjdVmi9k Buying a used VW Golf MK6 (5K1) - 2008-2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJiqqoeJntibgbs Buying a used VW Golf MK7 (AU) - 2012-2020 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oITSZXh-np57g8k Buying a used BMW 1 series (E87, E81, E82, E88) - 2004-2013 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5zZqa2Zr56jmNU Buying a used BMW 1 series F20 - 2011- kzbin.info/www/bejne/norKlZidqb2Mq7s Buying a used BMW Z4 E85/E86 - 2003-2008 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d327ZYmQer5pmpI Buying a used Nissan 350Z - 2002-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYW3lHaBfapgaZI Buying a used Mercedes C-class W204 - 2007-2014 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX-oiGSearF8f8U Buying a used Mercedes E-class W211 - 2002-2009 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqeydZhuaKpkhpY Buying a used BMW 3 series E90, E91 - 2005-2012 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpOcnIxnnquboas Buying a used Audi A4 B6 / B7 - 2000-2008 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3iofJ55irNgo9U Buying a used Lexus RX (XU30) - 2003-2008 kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWWmZ2OjJ1sa9U

[@daveglover6115]

I bought a 2009 SLK200 earlier this year (2018). Low mileage with service history (important!). It's a manual car with black paintwork. Lots of nice items like the CD shuttle, blue tooth, wire free cell phone talk, cruise control, GPS Nav and voice command etc. It is quite DIY friendly - I recently replaced the AC filter, the rear discs (rotors) and pads. So all very easy. The compressor engine is quick and returns good mileage, especially on the highways. The Vario Roof is great - the boot (trunk) space is more than adequate for simple bags/luggage, even when the roof is down. Enjoy! EDIT: I watched this great video posting prior to my purchase - it gave me a lot of info/details etc - Thank you DCR!

[@810177]

Glad you are happy with this fab car.Like me i love mine also.Only comment i disagree with here is the timing chain problem that keeps coming up with this engine. Proper yearly servicing is vital.I drive many kilometers here in Germany every day with this car and never ever heard of timing chain problems and i work in the motor trade here.Hope this puts your mind at ease on this subject….

[@fuffoon]

Its 2023. I have a 2012 e class wagon, well optioned, immaculate condition. I'm thinking of trading for slk r171. But my car is mercedes maintained and fully mobilo guaranteed with new subframe and all mercedes replacement parts. Finding an slk r171 with the same history is very difficult.

[@curtisfieldsjr4211]

I’ve been driving a 2006 slk with 98k since 2014. It now has 161K. Just reg oil changes, tires, a battery last Oct and 2 coil packs. I rarely see dudes driving them.

[@gianfrancoa]

Good, hope you never have an issue with the M272 Engine

[@recyclespinning9839]

I've been looking for a 6speed manual. Hard to find reasonably priced..

[@chriswright5204]

Just picked one up, last Sunday. Way different than my 4Runner. Short guy my slk is still a little tight getting in. Seems to have some pony’s working. 2011 3.0 liter v6, 38,000 miles, nice ride, with the top down wind feels across front seats not from behind you.

[@TheyCallMeMannes]

I own a 2009 SLK200 Kompressor and it's just a great car. I'm usually very picky about everything, but this SLK just brings everytime a smile on my face. I haven't had any technical problems (yet), but it seems it's one of the better cars that Mercedes has build (compared to SL for example). really, it's worth it!

[@ilijaprodanovic1347]

I'm thinking about getting a SLK 200 after starting college, but probably a 06/07 model, 09 is a bit out of my price range. I'm mostly worried about the expense of its maintenance.A little bit more info about the maintenance cost would be very helpful!

[@NafisaLondon]

Do you have any times for someone buying a 2009 used model please?

[@louisjames1062]

We purchased one recently, they suffer with rotting sub frames and are near impossible to buy replacements

[@duncanidaho7494]

Owner of a SLK 350 brand new from 2009.(65k km) In 11 years I had only one issue which was 300€ at the local dealer.

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

This must be one of the best looking convertibles ever made. I fell in love the first time I saw one. Thinking I would never be able to afford one. Having to buy parts though still scares me.

[@lordraymondrobertson8240]

Just bought a 2004 R171 200 Kompressor, it has all new springs, replaced brake pipes, also all calipers replaced, and upgraded stereo system with the phone including sat nav etc. Sports seats with airscaf, I just love this car, stand well in the garage beside the Range Rover SVR. so lucky.

[@sebastianfalkor]

hi...i would love to buy one just like your R171...how much you paid yours , may i ask...

[@peterkane9517]

Who fitted the air scarf seats

[@carlitoxb110]

Finally It’s getting closer to my budget

[@tofudeliverygt86]

I've got the R171 seats in my R170 SLK and they are so much better than the old ones. They really hold you in place on the twisties :)

[@nevittwoods1730]

super charged too

[@DorisTibbetts]

I own a Mercedes Benz SLK230 Compressor. I fell in love with this car! I hate to let it go, cause it was a gift. But I have to go back to the Philippines.

[@showtime6663]

When changing the auto transmission oil there is also 3 filters to replace. It costs £250 done by a reputable garage. Happy motoring. I have a SLK280 Auto 2007.

[@triathleteuk]

I enquired to local Merc dealer about changing the auto transmission oil and the girl on the service switchboard had no idea what I was talking about and nobody there could give me a cost of having it done :( Not impressed. Where did you get yours done mate ? cheers J

[@veritasvincit2745]

I love mine. It's the only car I've ever had other than a Mk1 Toyota MR2 that I've not thought about swapping after six months. I've had my 2004 350 for just four years now and would not get rid of it. I've had a rear spring break and a couple of camber arms on it but other than that it's been usual servicing. It rides bumps poorly but the previous owner put Innovit wheels on it which don't help. Look good though. It's done 125,000 miles now and serves my 15 mile commute. Best mpg (Imperial not US) was 40.1 on a 440 mile one tank run up to Loch Ness from the Midlands. Still had enough juice in it for two days of mooching the local area. I recommend this car.

[@triathleteuk]

where have you had it serviced mate ? I have had one for 3 weeks now and want to get it serviced before I do a longish road trip but Merc dealer wants £500+ to service it :(

[@geraldryan8562]

Bought a used SLK R171 200 Kompressor 184 CV, 2008, imported from Germany to Spain. Done a remap (professional) so now 214 CV, many other self done upgrades for a car that came with AMG styling, wheels, aspirated front discs, heated seats, Airscarf, front and rear parking sensors, NGT 2.5 etc. Plus now Nasiol ceramic coated body, without doubt, the best in Spain. The Engine is perfect with oil change every 7K Kms or every year, which ever comes first. Change of differential, power steering and manual gearbox oil done every 50Km. If you love your car, look after it, it looks after you🤔👍

[@trut52]

Thank you for mentioning the brand, I plan to do the same. The sun eats the paint here in Spajn so we must have coating.

[@mftwohill51]

A great video. Working for Mercedes for many years and your information is accurate and very informative to a potential buyer. Mercedes agree with the so called life time oil as Bullshit! and do recommend a fluid and filter Change of the auto every 60,000 K or four years which ever comes first. Thanks for posting.

[@mithileshuppoor3799]

loved the video as usual, specially the part where you address the oil change in automatic transmissions :) looking forward to the next one :) would love to hear your views on the Porsche 911, if you have not done it already:)

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks for the tip, you can expect Porsche 911 (996) review in the near future

[@billwhiteathome2080]

Change the oil and filter MORE FREQUENTLY in the V6s than 13k miles, or the intake manifold's plastic actuator arms will break trying to alter the (potentially gummed up) air flaps. A permanent fix is to replace the plastic actuator cam with a metal component, and return to a normal 13kmile oil service routine.

[@razxvanrazbe803]

true!!!

[@bizzyb7th]

I’m considering this car, a 2005 SK350. Are you saying once the intake manifold’s plastic is replaced with metal you can change the oil every 13 thousand miles? I change my Jetta’s every 3 thousand miles. 😮

[@bjornnemo7778]

At 3 minutes, your caption shows the wrong engine capacity for the 350 models ; of course, it is 3.5 litres, not 3.0 .

[@adriangospodaru9733]

The 280 and 300 are in deed a 3 liter v6 but the others are 3.5 liter

[@kenrasmussen4270]

I have a 2005 350, and there was a re-call concerning the balance shaft sprockets, if you going into a Mercedes dealership with the vin number they can tell you if it has been done, I did this before buying mine, and you are correct about changing the trans fluid I brought the correct tools to do it myself, no biggie.

[@GradyWhite2007]

I've got one..a white one...slk 350. Fun to drive!

[@alanbush2165]

Howard Mora ) of

[@philipgil8029]

Is it reliable? How many miles does it have?

[@TsarOfRuss]

Im going to change the transmission Oil in my Audi A4 2008 B8 tomorrow.... i knew it had to be changed.. thanks PRO.. i dont believe this auto companies

[@rodriguerp]

I have owned this car since 2016. SLK 300 2010. Three years ago , I had issues with the car would not starting when turning the key to the on position. I would turn the key back to the off position, and then it would start. To this day, this car still still acts up occasionally I am now having trouble with the vario roof not opening The trunk will open to let the roof in, but the roof will not move There is no way to tell if the hydraulic fluid is low Unless you take the car apart between the trunk and cabin.

[@gary.s7759]

Dont for get to check the Mass Air Flow sensor. A dirty or defective one can cause a bunch of misdiagnosis.

[@AmericanConstellation]

Why do you say that? What can be the issues?

[@idopeso]

@@AmericanConstellation Well, in my '00 clk (W208) i had a issue with the MAF sensor. iirc when the diagnosis was misfiring cilinder, wich wasn't the case. Luckily enough, replacing the MAF sensor is a pretty cheap fix. The issue i had was, when flooring it, the gearbox enters in autoprotect mode. In the R171 though, i don't know if it'll have the same issue.

[@Mike-Azzopardi]

Great video, great pointers for someone wishing to purchase. Helped me with the recent purchase of a 2009 SLK 200 2Look. Very happy with the purchase. Thanks again for your efforts.👍👍

[@nomusplenus]

Price/milage? Cheers :)

[@Mike-Azzopardi]

John o £6900, 50,000 miles with full MB service

[@colingroves335]

Another common issue on the V6 3.5, is the plastic control rods on the front of the inlet manifold, that control the flaps and actuators, they break after time, i had to completely replace the whole of the manifold for a new one.

[@welcometomyworld4871]

Love this car. Been driving mine since 2017. Mine is a 2006. Bought it used. With less then 24 thousand miles. And I have not hit 80 thousand yet. I have the same color. 🙏🏽

[@Ernest-b5l]

I am intending to buy a 2006 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG. Is this car any good and reliable? What are the common problems on this car?

[@rossclaughton6068]

My 2006 SLK350 has a 3.5 litre V6 and 7 speed auto that can be shifted manually , puuurrrfect.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome. Very helpful video. Keep up the good work.

[@MonsteroidGaming]

Damn. Thank you so much for this video. It's been a real eye opener. subbed

[@volt101x]

SLK also has a V8 AMG engine model 👌🏼

[@RedPillVegan]

Good review. Basically you want the 2006+ with a manual transmission. 4cyl more prone to timing chain issue? Value car imo in 2018

[@810177]

Timing chain is utter nonsense with this engine.As i pointed out in my earlier post proper yearly servicing is vital/like with anything mechanical)oil changes are paramount.These engines will run to extremely high mileages no problem at all.....

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Did you forget about the 55 AMG V8 engine?

[@edisianarki1939]

thank god i saw ur video. maintenance service history is key point before we buy any used car !!!!

[@kxosdev]

thanks for this review will use it befor buy this car

[@bwghall1]

the passenger door controller has a habit to pack up, new one £300 plus It does the windows Roof plus other things etc. Plus paying to have it fitted and the code put in.

[@pgbpro20]

Bought my 05 SLK350 @ 111k with warn tie rods and control arms. I replaced almost all of the suspension for

[@derekwaszkiewicz8338]

Just love my slk 55 AMG

[@دوديبنتالرجال]

How can i contact with you ? Instagram ? My nickname is: sultan.edris I want to buy slk and i want to know what i should be aware of it. Thanks

[@malaysiatanahairku4393]

Great video thx. Picked up a 2006, excellent ride.

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Lucky i seen this great video as i was thinking of buying one so i now know what to look out for, thankyou, george

[@mohammadkooheji1286]

Gorgious and of Best Sport Mercedes .

[@kikomacedo8529]

i have a 2005 slk 350 and i love my car...it has 57,000 km...and perfect...in Brazil

[@bernardbarbour]

Thanks, much appreciated info.

[@SERGE_Tech]

Great video man!!! Subscribed

[@Anonymous-st7ew]

what about the 55 AMG V8 engine?

[@louisjames1062]

Pablo Esco what about it

[@funkyfp]

Issue I've experienced on low milage SLK 55 AMG - 5 malfunction message (all at the same time) - ABS, BAS, ESP, Speedtronic, Display Malfunction. When the messages appear the speedometer stops working (drops to zero) and I have also noticed the automatic ambient light sensor stops working and headlights turn off (need to be manually turned on from AUTO). The car runs otherwise until it locks transmission in Park. Cleaning connector #4 at X63/4 behind hood latch electrical cleaner spray seems to help so far (but not completely resolve)

[@funkyfp]

should mention it is a 2005 model

[@petebrown6356]

Change the battery. Low current can cause all kinds of issues.

[@GM-qc6kw]

Thank you for sharing those informations!

[@alaindemaesschalck6703]

Thank you four the info. I am buying one tomorrow y2006 / 280 and 30000km full mileage history true MB dealership. Airscarf include

[@810177]

Disagree totally with ie timing chain problems.I have a 2012 model 184 bhp manuel box.This car must be serviced every year,most importantly oil changes. This kompressor motor gives no problems whatsoever and will run to very high kilometers and mileages no problem.Speaking from experience as i work in the motor trade here in Germany-Never heard of any timing chain problems ever….

[@lukerodick6649]

Nice video Thankyou 👍🏼

[@AdamFrugoli]

I have an opportunity on a 2005 with 43,000 miles; in the video he suggests a 2006 or newer. With 43,000 miles it looks flawless. Would I be safe with with a 05?

[@deltagames3864]

Not unless you want to buy a new engine when the timing chain spins off the cams because it happens on all the Mercedes 200 1.8L komprssor M271 engines

[@kimberlyjacobsen4148]

Air scarf works great 😊 My car is a 2004 ☺️ I’m considering buying the TEYES CC3 radio ☺️

[@ianh7227]

Thanks for good review. Any advice on how to fix air flow sensor engine light on 2004 slk350?

[@grahamrobinson8621]

I changed my air filter for an upgraded one and the air flow management light kept coming on. Had a remap and has never come on since....

[@daluidi5923]

Which year Mercedes really solved the issues about timing gear and balancing crank shaft?

[@davidford8551]

Very useful video I will now get my transmission oil replaced - thanks

[@triathleteuk]

And did you ? I enquired to Bedford Merc garage and they hadn't heard of it and couldn't quote me a price :( they did quote me £540 for a minor service tho .. hmm no thanks

[@davidford8551]

@@triathleteuk Yes I did in May this year for a charge of £454.

[@cannonball9478]

Thanks v much for doing this. V helpful pal

[@tundeschuster9001]

koszi szepen , very helpful i do own a 350 slk amg!

[@nevittwoods1730]

then you already know how they shit over most other fast cars

[@franciscoparada3332]

I love your reviews man.

[@Shawn-ik6dr]

2005 350 SLK, with 178,000 kms. Just starting to have what feels like a misfire from time to time. I've had the new spark plugs put in, along with the engine decarbonized and while it solved the problem for a month or so, the "misfire" (if that is indeed what it is) has returned. My dealer can't seem to fix the problem so I'm going to have to start tracking it down myself. Incidentally, the oil consumption...all too true. It goes through about 1 litre every 1500 to 2000 kms.

[@yukibond4182]

Coils?

[@miglia116]

sounds like an issue with the coils

[@Golfr2020]

Sounds like you got a worn out motor. After all. It has done lots of km. No motor should go through that amount of oil. Motor oil should last through to your next service.

[@Golfr2020]

Wow! It is a pitty that such a nice looking model can have so many common problem issues. Especially for an expensive luxury car that is supposed to be of premium build. I better not get one.

[@zukied4817]

Hi you had a problem with 350 engines, is it the case here too or its only on some cars?

[@fuzzperoni]

Great advice, thanks.

[@luisdelpozo9674]

What do you think of an slk350 amg with 90k miles at $8,500 in 2020?

[@sammoore5786]

I'm looking at buying a 280 with similar mileage

[@latinlabel]

Go fo it. I just bought a 2009 SLK 55AMG with 121K miles. LOVE IT!

[@kimberlyjacobsen4148]

It drives so fun 🥰 love mine

[@andrewpreston4127]

Compared to my old W123 240D, and most older Mercs that I've seen, the interior of these SLK's looks really low rent.

[@benetaue]

King of the hill slk55amg

[@EricWoelk]

Thank you very much! Very useful!

[@amLifeStories]

I have an issue with mine 2005 171 automatic transmission one. When heets up does not start properly and when does not start properly has less power and the acceleration is visible slower. I have to stop and start the engine untill statrs well so i can drive it properly. Also when starts bad i have a check engine light on and the error is flywheel sensor fail. I changed the sensor and it looks like is not it. If starts well for a while the check engine light goes off.

[@daveglover6115]

join the 'SLKworld' website..

[@Eidrian111]

What about the amg?

[@pk-zx2vb]

Only mad man would not change oil in automatic👍

[@E39ENTHUSIAST90]

nice video!

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

thanks!

[@lorraineverrall5089]

Hello I have a problem with my wipers on my merc silk 200 2004 they fail every now and then is this a common problem, and is it easy to solve

[@810177]

Faulty wiper blade motor by the sounds of it.Replacing it is no problem and easy for a mechanic.Price wise 200 pounds.Interesting to see what and how much you paid to resolve the problem?

[@calisthenicsbarbrothers6132]

What do u think about buying a slk 2008 with 80000miles

[@borisyurinov4822]

So regular oil changes in engine and gearbox, replace the chain every 150k, service it and its ok. Sounds easy to me

[@mikeb2206]

I have a 2009 SLK and am having problems with my stereo. The speakers sound like there blown but I don't think they are. I am not the kind of person who plays music super loud. Its just sounds like an old transitor radio. Any ideas?

[@autovlogger4764]

Nice review

[@atos.nympha3451]

can you do video on SL 600 98-2000?

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

in the near future I will do the newer SL R230, but thanks for the tip, I will also consider this older one

[@carmelduggan6547]

This is really useful take you

[@thefearofaflatplanet]

Another excellent review. Thanks. 👌🏼👊🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@nxllpo]

Life time oil reffers to 150.000 KM not for ethernity

[@jarek928]

Very good! Can you do Mercedes GLK?

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

Thanks for the tip, I will consider it

[@johndaniel9660]

i own a 2005 SLK 200 Kompressor wdhich has a rusty hydrolic brake line,

[@nevittwoods1730]

wd40 and maintenance grease for next time

[@gianfrancoa]

Hydraulic

[@michaelrejoinbradford1282]

Didn’t know they sold flash in Africa

[@bassplaya577]

I like this video. My SLK 350 is niiice (insert borat thumbs up)😀

[@curtisducati]

The rear sub frames are all failing in the UK as rotten with severe rust and fail mot

[@810177]

Shouldn't happen whatsoever.Severe lack of care and attention and underneath washing being the problem here.These cars are put through stringent winter tests here in Germany and go through more severe conditions than most other countries....

[@blademanx]

None of these issues with a Nissan Z

[@lmh-mv3ec]

2006 onwards more reliable?

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

yes

[@crosisofborg5524]

I miss my silk 280

[@Bryanok1]

You didn't mention the r171 55amg. Why is that? There are a lot of problems with that model.

[@darkness7999]

La imagen del maestro YODA.. Y sus palabras son las que e querido escuchar para tomar una desicion💯👍 Gracias. the right choice you have made.👍

[@emerispendragon6500]

Love this guy haha

[@offgrid8445]

Thank you for stating the perfectly bl00dy obvious.

[@angellizuain9970]

Yo tengo desde la año 2004 y sigo tan enamorado de mi SLK como el primer día un gran coche

[@arkibrahim8471]

I have this and a mustang gt

[@aliyehya5521]

I had a 2007 slk350 for 4 years low kms, great drive but endless money pit. My advice stay away from it

[@fuzzperoni]

Cool.

[@gergobagoly8241]

BMW f30 video please

[@differentcarreview-dcr]

kösz a tippet, a jövőben biztos sorra kerül az F30 is

[@bobbyhancock1582]

Lee Betty Lopez Kenneth Young Matthew

[@FrisianDroneAviator]

Slk350 is not a 3 liter. It is 3.5... 😂

[@ivanpostnikov5517]

it's niceee!

[@alfreddedded7133]

Mercedes Benz GlE

[@Lesa-j7q]

Brown Ronald Smith Betty Walker Ronald

[@alfiotomaselli111]

Io sono uno dei fortunati

[@thedrivertour6127]

Hey, check out my review for SLK280