2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is a sporty and stylish roadster known for its retractable hardtop, providing open-air driving enjoyment with the option of coupe-like comfort. The SLK350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options for the 2012 SLK include the SLK250 with a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-4 and the SLK55 AMG with a 5.5-liter V8. All engine options are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the SLK350’s balanced handling, upscale interior, and the innovative Airscarf feature, which blows warm air on the neck for comfortable top-down driving in cooler weather. Some common dislikes include the somewhat firm ride and limited rear storage space.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idling, poor engine performance, and potential stalling. Diagnostic codes may indicate issues with the camshaft timing.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets and Oil Filter Housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, and potentially low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets and/or the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (Valve cover gasket), $300 - $700+ (Oil filter housing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, erratic shifting, or a complete failure to engage gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, transmission slipping, or getting stuck in a particular gear.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Retractable Hardtop Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The roof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck mid-cycle, or error messages appearing on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the roof mechanism including the hydraulic pump, sensors, and wiring. Repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezing, crashing, or displaying error messages. Navigation problems, Bluetooth connectivity issues, or sound system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+ (depending on the severity of the problem)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery draining overnight or within a short period of time, requiring frequent jump-starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the key fob or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airscarf Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The Airscarf system not blowing warm air or blowing inconsistently.
  • Solution: Inspect the Airscarf heating elements, blower motor, and related wiring. Replace any faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 presents a range of potential issues, from relatively minor oil leaks to more significant problems with the transmission and retractable hardtop. Electrical problems involving the COMAND system and battery drain are also common. While some repairs, like replacing a camshaft adjuster solenoid, are moderately priced, others, such as torque converter replacement or fixing the retractable hardtop, can be quite expensive. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection to identify any existing or potential problems.