The inside rear view mirror in my 1999 mercedes-benz slk 230 (r170 model) is a 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. This specific car, that I purchased new, has been constantly garaged and seldom driven at night. This vehicle has less than 25,000 miles. Given the low road-height of the driving position, lights from behind, with no way to dim the mirror, pose a very dangerous hazard at night. The manufacturer should be compelled to repair the mirror, and if such defect is as common as it appears, the manufacturer should be forced to replace the auto-dimming mirror with a mirror that also has the capability of manual dimming should the auto-dimming feature fail again.
The worst 1999 Mercedes Benz 170 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Visibility2
Problems by type
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- Visibility2
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1999 Mercedes Benz 170 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. I contacted the oem mirror maker, and spoke with a steve chenlo, from magna donnelly (his direct line is 616‑786‑7495), who refused to take ownership of the problem. His advice was to purchase another mirror at approximately $200, and pay for installation, which was approximately $100 from the dealership. About a year ago, I have documentation that magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons.
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Questions about the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170
Is the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170 reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170, 2.0 times a typical 170 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 2 complaints.
How many recalls does the 1999 Mercedes Benz 170 have?
No recalls on record.
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