Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
For my slk 230 1999 , sport package, the red and black interiors, fade away constantly , the red paint on dash and center console is very delicate, it will scratch all the way deep enough to see the black original color of the same... Cardan joints have been changed four times and keeps breaking , I have a brand new one in my trunk because the 4th one is already broken...then the asr light turns on" avoiding for the asr system to work properly, can become very dangerous on wet road.. I had an accident and almost totaled my SLK230...
My inside rear view mirror has failed. There is no manual backup. The fluid in the mirror, which causes the automatic self-dimming, has leaked out. The mirror now fails to provide dimming for rear approaching headlights resulting in a blinded driver or non-use; both eliminating rear view capability. The electrochromic self-dimming mirrors are standard equipment in my 1999 Mercedes-Benz slk 230, model r170. I have researched and found many documented cases of the exact mirrors failing in the same way. The mirror manufacture, magna donnelly, was replacing these mirrors for free under some kind of warranty program in the past, but stopped for unknown reasons. The problem has gotten so bad that their warranty department direct number [phone]) now has a recorded message directing people to another web site that sells discounted replacement mirrors.
Mercedes Benz 1999 slk 230 -rear view mirror failed ,the inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors are completely useless. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid. Both inside and driver side mirrors have failed . There is no way one can see - this is a real safety issue - Mercedes dealer and Mercedes USA say they have never heard of such a problem - dealer says it is normal wear. Theses are mirrors - not tires. Company that made the mirror has been aware of the problem for years since they offered replacements previous years.
The inside rear view mirror in my 1999 Mercedes-Benz slk 230 (r170 model) is an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away which greatly eliminates rear view capability in the interior. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking. The leak discolor the mirror which make visibility poor.
The lh side view mirror in my 1999 Mercedes-Benz slk 230 (r170 model) is an electro chromic self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out causing the self-dimming mirror to be smokey which you can now barely see out of and to fail to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights resulting in the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror away. There are many documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models as a result of usually from the internal fluid leaking.
Vehicle type is 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 (r170 model). The inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid.
Vehicle type is 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 (r170 model). The inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid.
Vehicle type is 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 (r170 model). The inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid.
1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230. The inside rear view mirror is a self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirrors fail losing their ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing the driver to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability. I know of many documented cases of these mirrors failing including my own. Some fail by just quitting working while others leak the internal fluid.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed there was a dark spot in the center of the rear view mirror. Whenever light was shining on the mirror the contacts vision was distorted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the rear view mirror had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other SLK230 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230, 37% of the model year's 59 complaints. The component named most often is rearview mirrors/devices › interior (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.