Used Mercedes-Benz SLK230

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz SLK230

From 3 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The R170's folding hardtop is quiet when closed, while its rigid body and accurate handling suit both relaxed and brisk driving.[2]one sourceSLK R170
• Owners praise the handling, but describe it more as a sporty grand tourer than a sharp sports car; the suspension can feel firm.[5][2]SLK R170
• A 184 cm owner found enough cabin room in a 1998 car, but there is virtually no storage space behind the seats.[5]one sourceSLK R170
• One 1998 SLK 230 owner reported 8–9 L/100 km during relaxed highway driving and 14–15 L/100 km when driven harder.[5]one sourceSLK R170

Typical faults

• The 230 Kompressor camshaft-magnet lead can leak oil that may damage the ECU and wiring loom; a modified lead is reported to be available.[2]one sourceSLK R170

  230 Kompressor

• An owner of a 2000 SLK reported a failed central-locking pump and described it as a part that often fails on the SLK.[2]one sourceSLK R170

  2000–2000

• A 2000 SLK 230 was reported with a hydraulic-fluid leak followed by roof failure; the roof cylinder was identified as the cause.[4]one sourceSLK R170

  2000–2000 · 230

• Individual SLK 230 Kompressor reports describe power loss and rough running; the exact cause was not established, so diagnostic testing was advised.[1][3]SLK R170

  230 Kompressor

Which engine and version to take

• An owner describes the 2.3-litre four-cylinder Kompressor as capable in relaxed and brisk driving, though another review found an older example no longer especially quick.[2][5]SLK R170

What to check at the inspection

• Prioritise documented maintenance history: an SLK 230 owner at 198,000 km considered it more important than mileage itself.[2]one sourceSLK R170
• Inspect the camshaft-magnet lead and connectors for oil, and establish whether the modified lead has been fitted.[2]one sourceSLK R170
• Cycle the roof several times and check the hydraulics for leaks; one 2000 SLK 230 report linked leakage with roof failure.[4]one sourceSLK R170
• If the engine runs roughly or loses power, read the fault memory and check ignition, air-supply and fuel-system data before replacing parts.[1][3]SLK R170
• Test the central locking and inspect the trim: owners reported pump failure, loose rattling parts and peeling centre-console paint.[2]one sourceSLK R170
• When test-driving a 1998 automatic, check the transmission response; one owner complained that it was consistently sluggish.[5]one sourceSLK R170

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]mercedesklub.dk — Slk 230 fra 98 - Mercedes-Benz Klub Danmarks forum · forum
2. [2]autozine.nl — Forum Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996 - 2004) (3 / 8) · forum
3. [3]autoplenum.de — Probleme mit SLK 230 Kompressor · forum
4. [4]startmycar.com — Mercedes Benz SLK-Class problems and issues · press
5. [5]auto.ironhorse.ru — Отзывы о Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-2004) · press

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