2001 Mercedes Benz SLK230: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 7, 2014 · Visibility · 160,259 miles · OR

Vehicle type is 2001 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.

Filed Nov 14, 2010 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · VA

The interior rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes slk230 (r170 model) is an self-dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror contained a fluid which leaked out, causing the self-dimming feature to fail. So basically, I'm blinded by approaching headlights whenever I drive at night. The only fix is to turn the mirror away and lose my rear view (which after all is the entire purpose of the rear view mirror!) I researched online and there are hundreds of documented cases of these mirrors failing in various makes and models. I contacted the oem mirror maker and their only suggestion was to have my dealer install a new mirror at a cost of $300-400. That is unacceptable.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 mercedes benz slk230. While it was raining, water entered into the electrical compartment, which was located in the trunk of the vehicle. The headlights began flashing and the contact heard a buzzing sound coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle stalled and then started up again. The contact dropped the vehicle off at the dealer and was informed that there were three other mercedes there with the same issue. The contact paid $1,600 to have the dealer repair the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 36,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Visibility · 54,000 miles · CA

The inside rear view mirror in my 2001 mercedes-benz slk 230 (r170 model) is a self-dimming mirror. The mirror contains a fluid which is leaking out causing the self-dimming mirror to fail to dim 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 the internal fluid leaking. The oem mirror maker has been contacted, and steve chenlo, from magna donnelly (his direct line is 616‑786‑7495), 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, magna donnelly was replacing these mirrors for free but stopped for unknown reasons.

Filed Dec 4, 2008 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · MO

Vehicle type is 2001 mercedes benz slk320 (r170 model). The inside rear view mirror is an electrochromic self dimming mirror that has no manual backup. The mirror failed, losing its ability to provide dimming against rear approaching headlights causing me to either be blinded or to have to turn the mirror up and have no rear view capability.

Filed Aug 12, 2005 · Lights · VA

2001 mercedes benz developed a problem where water was getting into the headlights. The consumer experienced problems getting the headlight replaced. *mr