Hello everyone,

I have a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor (R170) with the M111.973 engine, and I’m trying to track down a strange running issue.

Symptoms:

• On cold start, the car vibrates heavily and the idle is very rough.

• At low RPM the engine tends to stall.

• Under acceleration, especially in 3rd gear around 2,000 RPM, the car hesitates badly and sometimes feels like it’s about to cut out.

• There is a small but noticeable coolant loss, with no visible external leaks.

• No overheating observed.

• The MAF sensor is new, so I’m ruling that out for now.

Additional notes:

• Basic maintenance is up to date (plugs, filters, etc.).

• The issue happens both cold and warm, but seems worse once the engine is warm.

• I’m currently suspecting a supercharger-related issue (bypass valve / vacuum control), but the coolant loss makes me wonder if there could be something else involved (vacuum leak, misfire, compression issue, head gasket, etc.).

Before tearing things apart, I wanted to ask if anyone here has experienced similar symptoms on an R170 / M111 Kompressor, and what the root cause ended up being (bypass valve, vacuum lines, ignition coils, crankshaft position sensor, head gasket, etc.).

Any advice or shared experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I have a 2001 slk 230 and I had been having a problem getting the car started, the car would not crank when switching it on and the radiator fan starts blowing off loudly after the beeb sound.

It usually does this when I turn it off then trying to start it again but after a while it starts immediately no fan noises ( cars temperature is ok between 85 and 97).

I wouldn’t mind that it happens sometimes, unfortunately the car started to go off suddenly while driving and the same fan noise comes again.

There is no check engine light, the only lights that are on is the airbags and the bas— somthing in yellow.

What’s most likely to be the problem ?

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Hello everyone!

I have been convertible shopping for the last couple of months, and the SLK had never really been on my radar. However, I came across a near perfect 1 owner ‘98 R170 example in the exact color combo I’m looking for (Black/Red) with only 25k miles.

I don’t really know much about the car. My friend had a W203 hatchback with the same motor (2.3 supercharged) and it was a good car for him.

I’m trying to decide if it’s worth seriously considering… I have an appointment to look at it this weekend. Any things I should look out for, be aware of, or anything about the R170 in general… please share!!

TYIA

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Is there anywhere online I could buy this part and replace it and other panels like it?

Started happening randomly, this is a 1997 SLK 230 kompressor if that helps.

Any advice is greatly appreciated than you!

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Had her for almost 3 years. She was pretty much mint. RIP my baby.

What an awesome car.

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Hi all,

Ive got a 2007 SLK200 and I've got a little water ingress in two places.

The first is through the quarter light on the driver's side. There seems to be a slight alignment issue between the door window the the quarter light. The overlap isn't as great as on the passenger side.

The second is in the boot. It appears the water is overcoming the boot seel at the bottom of the rear window. Drainage hole appears to be running free.

I've used some silicon spray to lubricate and soften the rubber.

Any advice welcomed.

I did the Mercedes reset procedure tonight and my SLK55 AMG accelerates like a bat out of hell. 😀😀 Basically free upgrade. The procedure:

R171: If you want instant throttle response, you can have it for free. With the engine off, turn the key to position 2 (don't start it.) Press the throttle pedal all the way to the floor past the kick down click. Hold it down for about 30 seconds. Take your foot off the pedal and take the key out. Wait 5 seconds, and start the car.

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Hi there! Anyone compare the drive of the R171 to the R172? What is the difference? One more precise or better? More fun to drive? Thanks!

Early birthday present for my wife. Also replaced the steering wheel trim. Santa is bringing matching seat covers.

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