1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good looking and spunky, this is the only convertible on the market to feature the all-weather protection of a retractable hardtop.
Cons
- Performance lags behind the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster. Cabin is uncomfortable for exceptionally tall people.
What’s new
This year, Mercedes gives the SLK-Class a standard five-speed manual transmission, optional Sport Package, a new-generation stereo with cassette that uses fiber-optic technology and integrated controls for a cellular phone.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Sport 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$186/mo for SLK-Class SLK230 Sport
SLK-Class SLK230 Sport
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When Mercedes-Benz sets its sights on something, it is usually not denied. A few years ago, the gang at the three-pointed star decided that it was time to ditch their dowdy image and begin attracting younger buyers. The result of that decision brought us the fabulous C- and E-Class cars, which made the company and its offerings seem less stuffy. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz was still not the marque that young professionals looking for a good time were likely to think of first.
All of that changed with the introduction of the SLK-Class last year. The SLK-Class has a decidedly playful countenance that will undoubtedly charm some buyers out of the BMW showrooms that those looking for a fun, sporty car have been frequenting for so long. The SLK-Class is a roadster, which means that it has two seats and a top that folds down. Unlike its competitors from BMW, Porsche and Mazda, however, the little Mercedes has a retractable steel roof that, when up, makes the car seem as tight as an E-Class sedan. Raising and lowering consists of pressing one button on the center console.
For 1999, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is equipped with a manual transmission as standard equipment. Of course, an automatic transmission is still available, but it's now listed as a $900 option (an option which also costs the car 61 pounds of added curb weight). While Mercedes-Benz product planners still expect automatics to account for a full 80 percent of North American SLK-Class sales, at least one-in-five buyers still appreciate the old-fashioned approach to driving enthusiasm.
Mercedes got the recipe right the first time with excellent steering, a powerful engine and a smooth suspension. The steering is precise, the engine is eager and willing, and the suspension is wonderfully damped. Overall, the SLK-Class is a hoot to drive and its 200 pound-feet of torque, available across an incredibly wide rpm range, make it a choice vehicle for carving through traffic or up a spiraling mountain road. The SLK-Class races to 60 mph in just over seven seconds this year, but some think the exhaust note doesn't sound baaaad enough on start from a standstill, so Mercedes is working on putting a bit more roar into it.
The '99 SLK-Class also receives a facelift, or rather, some AMG-certified steroids. The new Sport Package includes additional beef around the car's lower extremities, providing a muscular and more aerodynamic appearance. Also added are beefier 17-inch treads: 225/45ZR-17 front tires and 245/40ZR-17 rear tires. Now maybe the demure SLK-Class can be taken seriously when parked next to the ferocious visages of the Z3 2.8 or Boxster. Other than the heavy-duty lower enhancements, the Sport Package replaces the side-mounted "Kompressor" badge with "Sport" (don't worry, German-language buffs, the "Kompressor" badge now appears on the decklid).
One thing that most roadsters are not noted for is their safety features. Mercedes broke the mold in this regard and laid all of its current safety technology on this relatively inexpensive car. Dual airbags and side-impact airbags are standard. The SLK-Class features standard antilock brakes and automatic slip control as well.
Since roadsters are more likely to be involved in a rollover accident, the SLK-Class also has a super-reinforced A-pillar and integrated roll bars behind each seat. We think the most interesting feature, however, is the SLK-Classs BabySmart system. The BabySmart system allows owners to use a Mercedes-Benz BabySmart car seat which will keep the passenger airbag from deploying while it is occupying that seat. (Thus allowing parents to safely introduce their toddlers to the thrills of open air driving.)
Mercedes claims that for 1999, the SLK-Class has "only four factory options." Heated seats are $595, metallic paint is $600, a cell phone/CD changer option comes in at $1,595, and the AMG appearance/17-inch wheels and tires (a.k.a. Sport Package) option costs $3,990. We demand a recount: the automatic transmission is a $900 option. Then again, maybe Mercedes only counted the important options.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
5 star(73%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
1999 SLK230
Mick, 10/01/2009
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
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!
3.75 out of 5 stars
Fun car, troublesome power top. 5 speed manual.
carguy2021, 07/25/2012
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Small, Simple and Fun!
johnnylee123, 12/31/2011
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Sport 2dr Convertible
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.
5 out of 5 stars
SLK230 Longterm Owner
texcarman, 05/30/2014
1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Convertible
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 since. one could simply buy a new one, for under $100 … and replace it quite easily.
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, the parts cost is about $1.00. They are a little tricky to replace but can be done even without a special tool with a little patience, but the special tool is great.
Even though I have other MB's to drive, such as a CLK cabriolet, if I am running errands and such this is my "go to" car. It is just fun to drive. They are a bit noisy or more so than most MB's so I think they got a bad rap early on, as I recall many being for sale shortly after being purchased with very low miles many years ago. One thing that contributes to higher noise levels in this vehicle is when the rear tires get some miles on them. One might think there is a problem with the rear differential, the noise is so pronounced. With the staggered tire sizes on this vehicle, rotating front to back is not an option, so the tires do acquire some pattern wear. This is exacerbated if one purchases cheaper tires with a large block tread, so beware.
As far as mileage goes, in normal commuting, I conservatively get 24.5 mpg and have achieved 28 mpg on long highway trips with the A/C off and 70-80mph cruising speeds. Short drives of 2-3 miles with lots of starts might drop the mileage down to 22.5 or so, but this is rather unusual.
The color of my car is white and it still looks fantastic after all these years. I have used the factory touch-up paint to fill in some paint chips and the car polishes out very nicely. Recently, we drive the vehicle down to vote and was stopped by some admirers who thought the car was new. Clearly not an MB person, but reflects positively on the condition and the enduring style of this original SLK.
1999 SLK-Class Highlights
SLK230 Kompressor
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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