Tag Archives: slk

How to replace the door mirror indicator on a Mercedes SLK 230 (R170)

I have written before about DIY fixes for the SLK – mainly because there are people out there (and YouTube videos) that say its really difficult.

A few years ago (actually, it was 2010), my wife broke the nearside (passenger) indicator on the SLK. I have put off repairing it as I thought it was expensive and difficult.

This week it failed the MOT because the broken indicator was filling with algae and the LEDs were no longer orange. It appears that the orange colouring has worn off. As long as the indicators were orange, it didn’t matter that the lens was broken.SLK R170 Passenger Door Mirror Indicator Repair

I bought the part from PFS Parts Ltd www.partsformercedes-benz.com. It was about £25.

Firstly, use the electric adjuster to move the mirror glass as far down and to the left as you can. This will expose a small gap between the top of the glass and the plastic surround. In the gap you will see a small wire clip. Remove it with a small flat-bladed screwdriver.

Next, lever the mirror glass out. It’s only clipped in. Scarey though…

SLK R170 Passenger Door Mirror Indicator RepairAlso, put something soft (softer than concrete anyway) on the ground just in case you drop any of the expensive plastic and glass bits.

SLK R170 Passenger Door Mirror Indicator RepairUsing a Torx 10 screwdriver, remove the six screws that hold everything together and remove the motor and the covers.

SLK R170 Door Mirror Glass Removal

Mirror glass removed

… and the motor

SLK R170 Passenger Door Mirror Indicator Repair

Motor removed

… and the front and rear plastic covers (no photo…sorry, got carried away and forgot – damned if I’m going to take it all apart again!)

Ten seconds to take out the old and put in the new indicator unit. It is clamped by the screws already noted and there are only two wires to connect.

Screw it all back together.

Job done.

£25 + 30 minutes.

How to change Mercedes SLK Boot Lid Gas Struts

I was dreading this job. I’ve owned the SLK for 5 years now and over that time the gas struts have degraded to such an extent that the boot lid would slam shut from fully open if you let go of it (and it’s heavy…)

I searched the various MB owners forums and found loads of posts saying how difficult it was and that it was a two man job (one to hold the boot lid open and force it up to relieve the tension on the strut, while the other removes and replaces said strut).

So here’s the low-down.

Firstly, move the car so that you don’t get wet (it was raining)

Next, tie boot lid to garage door using a bungie strap (now it’s a one man job!)

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Make sure that the Boot Lid can't fall down when you remove the strut...

The struts are fixed to a ball joint (top and bottom) and held on by a spring clip.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Original (OEM) Top Fixing

 

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Original (OEM) Bottom Fixing

Gently slide a screwdriver blade into the spring clip and pull the strut away.

Same with the bottom fixing.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

It's easy with a screwdriver...

Take one new strut and offer up to the two ball joints

Hey! They match (thank God for that…)

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Line up the new strut

Slightly different design but the same principle. Lever spring clip with screwdriver and drop onto ball joint.

Snap into place.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

New strut fitted

Bin the old parts.

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Replacement

Mercedes SLK Gas Strut Retirement Home

The whole job (including moving the car) took me less than 10 minutes.

Eat your hearts out MB Forum members!

Smart Repairs to SLK Bumper

I recently had some small scuffs imparted to the rear bumper of my SLK by a nice lady who reversed into it in a car park. I thought I’d try the “Smart Repair” available from a local dealer as opposed to the full-blown insurance repair (about £400!) and at 1pm today, George duly arrived in his white van with all his kit.

Apologies in advance for the photos – it was really bright this morning and he was working so fast that I had to take what I could whilst trying to get around the deep contrast caused by the direct sunlight on a silver car…

Her he is masking the job off:

After rubbing it down:

Five coats of silver paint and one coat of lacquer:

Heat treatment:

Job done!

While George was here, I asked him what I should do about the wheel nuts, which were rusty (and ridiculously expensive to replace)

Before:

After:

Silver engine paint and a funnel made out of an old cornflake packet to stop the overspray. Maybe it won’t last long; we shall see!

90 minutes and £80.

Job done.