2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is a stylish and sporty roadster, boasting a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The SLK300 is equipped with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options available for the 2016 SLK lineup include the SLK350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and the AMG SLK55 with a 5.5-liter V8. Owners often praise the SLK300 for its sleek design, retractable hardtop, and comfortable ride. Common criticisms include the limited rear visibility when the top is up and some find the infotainment system dated compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (M274)

• High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, difficulty starting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough running, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerky shifts, delayed engagement, or hesitation during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. Some owners report the issue improves after the transmission warms up.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of conductor plate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, gear slippage, or failure to shift into certain gears. Check engine light may be illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Retractable Hardtop Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The top gets stuck halfway through the opening or closing process. Error messages appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnose the motor, hydraulic pump, or sensors associated with the top mechanism. Replacement of faulty parts or recalibration of the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• COMAND System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system becomes unresponsive, freezes, or restarts intermittently.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the COMAND unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One or more doors fail to lock or unlock using the remote or interior door switch.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heater fails to warm up, or only warms up intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 generally exhibits issues that are moderate in severity. The most concerning problems involve the transmission and retractable hardtop, which can be costly to repair. Other issues such as fuel pump and electrical malfunctions are less common but still warrant consideration. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for sensor replacements to several thousand for major components like the transmission. Prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before committing to a purchase.