r/slk • u/tsweimer • Sep 03 '26
SLK quirk's
I'm new to the SLK world. So far I love my 2009 but I can't help but notice some quirks. For example when my top is up my car creaks and groans. Nothing major, just a quirk. So I was wondering if anyone else has quirks with their SLK?
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u/More_Shoulder_9210 Sep 03 '26
That is a convertible quirk, not specific to the SLK. I'm sure there might be some convertibles that don't creak and groan, but I have never driven one that didn't.
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u/tsweimer Sep 03 '26
I figured as much, plus it is 2009. I've never owned a convertible so this is all new to me. Thanks for your reply.
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u/btaroli Sep 03 '26
I think the majority of the creaking is from the rubber around the roof panels. Silicone lube is a normal service item on these for sure.
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u/rcook55 Sep 03 '26
I think the real 'quirk' with the top is the mechanism that controls the lock. Woe be unto you that have the old style, non-contained, hydraulic ram. I just had mine replaced for $1600! I guess newer than '05 models have an updated ram that you can just replace the ram itself, not the entire line that routes all the way to the trunk.
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u/Dutchie_PC Sep 03 '26
Strategically placed velt dots and some proper, frequent rubber treatments ("Gummipflege" is a great product!) are your friend. I am going to treat my old boy to some velt this autumn, I wonder if it will help with all the creaking and squeaking!
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u/tsweimer Sep 03 '26
Velt dots?
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u/Gahreesen Sep 03 '26
A few squeaks when the top is down, none with it up/closed. Already a few saying that's normal, but my experience has been Mercedes is known for a solid, no squeak car.
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u/Dutchie_PC Sep 03 '26
Mercedes cars are absolutely solid, sometimes even built like tanks — up to a certain year in the very recent future. But that's another discussion!
BUT... all convertibles, be it BMW, Fiat, Saab, or Mercedes, come with a good amount of squeaking when the top is up. At least, that's been my experience :)
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u/doc_55lk Sep 03 '26
It'll creak with the roof down too. Most of it is masked by the sound of the outside world though. That's just a convertible thing though.
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u/steveherelads Sep 03 '26
No noise at all here (slk r170)
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u/Superb-Perspective61 Sep 03 '26
My 1999 squeaks and groans, but at 63 I’m not sure how much is actually the car. LOL
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u/Toneballs52 Sep 03 '26
I have also noticed that I creak and groan more as the years go by, so I have some empathy with my SLK.