2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually came to a rolling stop on the side of the road. In addition, the parking brake was activated; however, but failed to activate as intended. The contact stated that the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact refilled the brake fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost involved in two crashes because of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was serviced a year prior for an extended warranty repair to prevent suspension corrosion. The contact stated that the dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle due to evidence of brake line corrosion. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.

NHTSA ID

11683949

Incident

Aug 22, 2024

Mileage

171,000 mi

The brake lines are rusted from the rear sub Frame that was rusted And caused an accident. They told me the sub frame was the only item covered but that they could only bolt it and not weld if and then the exhaust and brake lines (rusted too bad to describe) weren’t covered and since I couldn’t afford it they only repaired the subframe and left the rest hanging ! My brakes failed on the way home. No one was injured but I can’t believe they let me go home with that condition!

NHTSA ID

11608172

Incident

Aug 13, 2023

the conductor plate along with its speed sensor is faulty. Luckily I just exit the highway, the transmission just stopped working, can't drive forward or reverse and when I apply gas on either D or R, just the RPM speed up as if the car is in neutral. I was stranded on the middle of the road. this happened a few time. after turning off the car and turn it back on usually reset it for a little bit. the first time, I have to replace the transmission.

NHTSA ID

11592159

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

transmission lines popping off popped off at 60 miles per hour tensed me up it stared smoking pushed the safety hazzard lights on and was able to limp it off the highway its happened 3 times after i repaired them afraid to even drive it now.no no no

NHTSA ID

11548815

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

As i was driving (on a bridge) the convertible top/roof gushed and dumped an incredible amount of hydraulic fluid/oil right in my face unexpectedly! This came out of the blue. I had just raised it since it began to rain. The combination of raining weather and being on a one lane bridge and then having that spew into my face rendered me unable to see and had Me swerving almost off the bridge as the other lane had vehicles driving. I almost wrecked and was left with highly painful eyes. In truth it could have lead to death without question had I not had a towel in my passenger seat to wipe my face. I’m now terrified to drive it but have to. Please help, especially if any others are having the same issue, which seems to be the case. I could have had an accident or worse had an accident with others and off of the bridge!

NHTSA ID

11546292

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

My vehicle has excessive rust issues that I’m being told by the dealership will compromise my safety. There is currently an extension of warranty for only the subframe in rear, but the rust is extended beyond that and is applied to the components needed to be removed in order to replace the subframe. Such as the exhaust pipe and brake lines as well. All are corroded to a high degree up to and including complete brittle material Disintegration. Exhaust and rear brake line cost make it impossible for me to have the vehicle brought back to safely drivable conditions. I have to get to work daily or my family will not eat or have a roof but at a cost of more than what the car is even worth I have no choice but to choose and compromise my safety and those around me or food and shelter for my family. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11544770

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

improper heat treatment of the balance shaft spocket causing the balance shaft to worn out resulting in advance timing of the CAM. Mercedes acknowledges it's an known issue but don't cover cost of fixing it. Once ecu detected timing is off, it will stop the transmission from accelerating without any warning. Happened to me on a highway, good thing the car still have some momentum and was able to pull to the shoulder while others cars are coming from behind.

NHTSA ID

11537700

Incident

Jul 24, 2023

The rear subframe is corroded to the point of about to fall off and subsequently anything that is attached. Mercedes has extended a warranty on the subframe which is excellent, but only the subFrame? What about the touching bits like the bolts and screws among other items that are connected to it. So now because I cannot afford the $5,000.00 needed for the other rusted pieces that are brittle and likely to fall off when the subframe is replaced, then they won’t do it. So I must jeapordize my safety as I have to get to school and work.

NHTSA ID

11533695

Incident

Jul 21, 2023

Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The noise is heard once in each instance when changing direction of travel. Note: Sound file in attachment Cause If the complaint is eliminated by experimentally loosening the outboard collar nut (by 1 turn), the problem is due to cracking of the microweld between the wheel bearing inner race and the joint housing of the side shaft. Note: The collar nut must always be replaced after being loosened. See also LI33.20-P-078406 Remedy Coat contact surface of side shaft with wheel bearing with Molykote paint. To do this, proceed as follows: 1. Remove side shafts 2. Clean contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing before") before coating with Molykote, using "spirit" (free of dust and grease) 3. Coat contact surface A (see image file in attachment "Outer joint housing after") with Molykote and leave to dry for "one hour" in removed condition 4. Reinstall side shafts Note: Before using the antifriction coating (Molykote), stir it or shake it thoroughly for (at least 1 minute).

Complaint There are several types of complaint about noises or poor windshield wiper wiping performance: A: Wiper blades squeaking, chattering, shuddering B: The windshield is not wiped completely (streaking) C: During the downward movement water is pulled back onto the windshield from the A-pillar (Figure 1) D: After windshield cleaning, water keeps spraying onto the windshield for several wipe cycles (Figure 2) A1: The windshield and wiper blades are contaminated with residues from car washing facilities, identifiable by the water beading. The resulting differences in the friction values between the wiper blades and the windshield can excite the wiper blades to vibrate. Note: It is mostly wax residue from the washer system, but also water-repellent nano-particle coating for paint and/or silicone-based washer fluid, that could cause this problem. A partially dry windshield also has different friction values, which can likewise result in squeaking of the wiper blades A2: The wiper blades are worn by mechanical damage (wiper lip damaged by ice or insect debris, or deformed by long periods of disuse). A3: Incorrect angle of incidence of the wiper arms to the windshield. Because of this, the rubber lip of the wiper blade may not flip over at the reversal point. Cause B: B1: Wax/ dirt residues on the windshield B2: Wiper blades deformed or worn B3: Downforce of wiper arm not OK (Figure 3) Cause C: Water is pulled back onto the windshield by the differential pressure created as the wiper arm moves downwards. Cause D: Washer water collects in the fastening of the wiper blade and is blown onto the windshield by the airstream over several wipe cycles. Note and supporting information: Wiper blades are wear parts which, even when "not used" for long periods (kept in park position), may become permanently deformed and damaged. Further stresses on the rubber wiper blade arise due to various environmental influences which progressively change the effectiveness of the rubber wiper blade and accelerate the aging process. Due to the natural aging process and wear, the wiper blades should be replaced twice a year, preferably in Spring and Fall (see operator's manual). Remedy Remedy A: A1: Cleaning entire windshield with A 000 986 40 71. A2: Checking water's flow behavior after windshield has been cleaned (see Video 1). If, after cleaning, there are still areas with water beading, then the cleaning process must be carried out again until a rejection reaction is no longer present. • Note: On the vehicle in the video (Video 1), water still beads on the bottom left of the windshield. The windshield is still not properly clean, even though it appears to be clean. The windshield is only properly clean when there are no more areas on the windshield where water beads. A3: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades. Important: Only exchange wiper blades if windshield no longer has water-repellent areas Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. Remedy B: B1: Clean windshield with intensive cleaner A 000 986 40 71. Important: Do not clean the wiper blades otherwise the graphite coating will be damaged. B2: Replace wiper blades with genuine wiper blades • Note: Replacement of wiper blades is not covered under warranty and can be replaced at the expense of the customer. B3: Check the wiper arm for excessive resistance in the bearing. Restore mobility or replace wiper arm if necessary. Remedy C: Problem inherent in design for which there is no technical remedy. Exception: X204 up to 02/2014. In these vehicles, it is possible to install the design configuration of vehicles as of 02/2014. This includes wiper arms (styled arms) with improved behavior in this respect. It is also necessary to replace the wiper blades because the styled arms feature a Top Lock connection (previously Side Lock).

Complaint Potential corrosion on the rear axle carrier Cause Due to market-specific conditions such as moisture, ingress of dirt and/or environmental influences, corrosion can occur on the rear axle carrier Remedy In the event of a complaint, the optimized repair method must be used when replacing the rear axle carrier. The repair method for the respective model series can be found in the attachment. Repair packages are available in Xentry Repair Packages for the special processing of rear axle carriers Note: Please utilize flexible wand (319-SAT1058826) along with the Cavity Preservation Gun (W 000 588 03 72 00) for cavity wax application to improve coverage and reduces labor efforts. The flexible wand may be obtained through the Mercedes-Benz Standard Service Equipment Program website.

Complaint The sliding sunroof glass panel of the panoramic roof reverses during the closing process, either once or multiple times, without an entrapment (anti‑pinch) event being detected. The concern may occur temporarily or repeatedly during normal closing operation. Cause The automatic reversing function of the panoramic roof is overly sensitive due to parameterization in combination with seal counter‑pressure. This condition can cause the roof to reverse even though no obstruction is present. Remedy Retrofit the vehicle to meet Cleanpoint status “Panoramic sliding sunroof glass panel reverses during closing without a pinch event.” The retrofit includes: • Hardware modification (installation of a cover rail / EPDM lip) • Corresponding software update for the panoramic roof control unit The prescribed retrofit steps must be performed in the specified sequence as outlined in this document. 1) Retrofit the EPDM lip onto the rear edge of the panoramic sliding roof panel: • Clean the underside of the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel (marking, Figure 1) (e.g., isopropanol). • Subsequently install the cover rail on the underside of the sliding sunroof panel (Figure 2). - Distance from the cover rail to the rear edge of the sliding sunroof panel A = 5 mm - Distance from the cover rail to the right and left edges of the sliding sunroof panel B = 9 mm - Apply firm pressure by hand along the entire bonding surface of the COVER RAIL - The wider flange at the ends of the cover rail (see Figure 3) must point in the direction of travel 2) Submit an XSS Ticket with the following requests to add SA code O75 to the Vehicle Data Card • Enter code "O75" (Oscar 75) in Vehicle Documentation System (Vedok): • Add the following AO text to KG 78: AO code O75 added as specified in LI77.21-P-075806 (Version 7). 3) Install new software from the panoramic roof control unit (TSSR296, A98, PSD) and teach in the anti-pinch protection again: • Connect XENTRY Diagnosis. - always use the current XENTRY Diagnosis software release with all available add-ons. - Strict compliance with the operation steps in XENTRY Diagnosis is absolutely essential! - Ensure adequate power supply to the vehicle's on-board electrical system battery (greater than 12.5 V) using a battery charger. • Commission the panoramic roof control unit - To do this, select "A98 – control module 'panoramic sliding sunroof' → adaptation → commissioning → Commission the control unit." - Then follow user guidance in XENTRY Diagnosis. • Disconnect XENTRY Diagnosis.

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged. Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304

Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not lead to any technical impairment of the headlamp. If a pressure compensation diaphragm is fitted in the housing cover, then the lamp unit is a "closed system". Remedy Headlamp: Remedy 1 Clearing fogged/condensed LED headlamps: 1. Drive vehicle into workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4 °F) and connect the exhaust extraction. Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine and connect battery support via a charger. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing of fogged/condensed LED headlamps and LED rear lamps on electric vehicles: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). 2. Connect battery backup via a charger. 3. Open the front-end flap and ensure sufficient ventilation. 4. Switch on the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Clearing fogged/condensed halogen/xenon headlamps: 1. Drive the vehicle into the workshop (temperature higher than +18 °C/+64.4°F). Note: Do not perform an engine wash before the defogging test. 2. Switch off the engine. 3. Open the hood. 4. Switch off the lights. 5. Leave the vehicle in this state for 60 minutes. 6. Check for formation of condensation, a significant reduction in the formation of condensation must be clearly recognizable (thawing progress). Note: If there is no visible reduction in condensation, check the headlamp for malfunctions. (see Remedy 2) It is not physically possible to defog the headlamps completely. Fogging does not impair the operation or the service life of the headlamp. Note: Only implement Remedy 1 for model series 463 (from model year 2018) and model series 465. Remedy 2 A defective headlamp can be identified as follows: 1. Check the headlamp for external damage and that the cover caps and the diaphragm are correctly seated. 2. Check the electrical connectors of the plugs and pins. 3. Check for leak tightness according to LI82.10-P-078307. The test can only be conducted on headlamps. 4. If the headlamp or the rear lamp has any external damage, replace the component part in accordance with the WIS instructions. Note: External damage to the headlamp/rear lamp or faulty seating of the cover caps does not present a warranty or goodwill case. Note: With headlamps, it is possible to install desiccant packs if the problem occurs repeatedly. • Open ventilation system LI82.10-P-078302 • Closed ventilation system LI82.10-P-078304