1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Electrical system Problems

“Brake light failure. I have had to change the complete socket numerous times. Each time the socket has melted. Mbusa tells me they know of the problem, but do not see any reason to fix it. Each repair runs about $300. I have had mine changed no less than 5 times in the past three years.”

“I've had a dozen bulbs/fuses blow during the life of this vehicle. I've owned other vehicles that never blew a single bulb or fuse over their lifetime. I just wonder if this is a way for mercedes benz to increase service revenues. They want over $100 to replace each bulb.”

“For my slk 230 1999 , sport package, the red and black interiors, fade away constantly , the red paint on dash and center console is very delicate, it will scratch all the way deep enough to see the black original color of the same... Cardan joints have been changed four times and keeps breaking , I have a brand new one in my trunk because the 4th one is already broken...then the asr light turns on avoiding for the asr system to work properly, can become very dangerous on wet road.. I had an accident and almost totaled my SLK230...”

“- the contact owns a 1999 mercedes benz SLK230. The contact received a recall notice for the exterior lighting:brake lights. The mercedes mechanic replaced the lights at the contacts home. Prior to replacing the lights per the recall, the lights were working. However, the lights no longer worked, and the vehicle did not start. The dealer did not want to address the failures and make the necessary repairs. The contact talked to the manager of mercedes and he was unsuccessful at gaining assistance.”

“When in traffic and idling, especially summer weather, the car stalls ocassionally and won't restart. Most times, when driving to a destination, turning the engine off, running an errand, and returning to start the engine, the engine won't start. The panel lights all light up, a click, but no crank or turning over. After letting the engine cool down or sit for a while and/or playing w/ the key / ignition, the engine eventually turns over. I've spent nearly $3,000 in repairs and the dealer cannot isolate the problem. …”