#Slk kompressor 2000 upgrade

But still, the handbrake remained hosted on the center console, unlike most other Mercedes-Benz cars that had a pedal for the parking brake. In addition, the steering wheel was thicker and featured a new design. Since the car proved to be fast while hard cornering, the automaker offered new seats with higher bolstered areas. Depending on the trim level, the coupe-cabriolet came with chromed slats on the main grille. Also, the air dam received a small lip spoiler. Unlike the 1996 SLK, the 2000 version featured round fog lamps instead of triangular ones. While it kept the original features that made the car very appealing to its customers, it also added a few modifications that made it not only faster but also safer and friendlier with the environment.Īt the front, the automaker installed a redesigned bumper with different fog lamps mounted on the lower side of the apron.

#Slk kompressor 2000 upgrade

Clearly not an MB person, but reflects positively on the condition and the enduring style of this original SLK.In January 2000, Europe switched to the Euro 3 emission standards, and Mercedes-Benz needed to upgrade its coupe-cabriolet roadster, the SLK.įour years after revolutionizing the premium roadster segment with its pocket-sized SLK, the German automaker introduced a facelifted version for it. Recently, we drive the vehicle down to vote and was stopped by some admirers who thought the car was new. I have used the factory touch-up paint to fill in some paint chips and the car polishes out very nicely. The color of my car is white and it still looks fantastic after all these years.

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. This is exacerbated if one purchases cheaper tires with a large block tread, so beware.Īs 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. With the staggered tire sizes on this vehicle, rotating front to back is not an option, so the tires do acquire some pattern wear. One might think there is a problem with the rear differential, the noise is so pronounced. One thing that contributes to higher noise levels in this vehicle is when the rear tires get some miles on them. 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. 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.Įven 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. I've replaced one plastic shift bushing and think the second one is now due, the parts cost is about $1.00. The electrical connector on the transmissions leak fluid about every 5 year/50K miles. and I'm a Euro car tech so fixed it myself. I did encounter a noisy camshaft variable timing unit which was the most expensive part I've replaced, part cost was close to $400. one could simply buy a new one, for under $100 and replace it quite easily. 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.

I have had what seems to be pattern failures on the vehicle. I now have over 110K on it and it has been a very good car. It is the base model and my favorite commuting car.