Mercedes Benz SLK280 owners have reported 3 exterior lighting related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common exterior lighting problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's exterior lighting (3 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting problems |
Headlight wires (inside housing) are frayed / melted. Can cause fire. I was replacing my bulb when I noticed the wires in the plug were completely stripped with no shielding. I traced it back to the connector and the wire shields were either frayed or completely gone.
The rear marker lights are going on and off for the last few months, now they are off for good. The wires to the lights look fine, the bulbs look fine. I have even replaced the bulbs but they still dont work on one side. Earlier models are having same issue as this model. This car is unsafe.
Electrical system faulty. Front lowbeam headlight warning light on. Mechanic changed headlight bulb but it still did not work. After about a week the warning indicator went off and headlight worked. A few days went by and the indicator came on again. The low beam did not work. This time the left side marker lamp indicator came on and the bulb wasn't working. Before I could take it in for repair the side marker was working again. It goes off and on about every other month. Also, the indicator for one of the bulbs above my license plate goes on and off, but it says bulb malfunction. Now joining is the passenger side abs light. Sometimes when I start the car the warning indicator on the instrument panel is illuminated but then goes off after I start the car several times, about a day or two. I never know which electrical component may not be working when I turn on the ignition switch. Sometimes no warning indicators will be displayed. The side marker lamp indicator hasn't been on in months, but 3 days ago it came on again and both low beam lamp indicators are on as well. So, right now I'm driving with my high beams on. I'm just waiting for them to work again, you never know. It's so frustrating and dangerous. I have read that this is a common issue. It needs to be looked in to.