Arrggg! I have a 2000 Slk 230 never have had any problems with it before it has 40k miles on it, 5 speed Manual Transmision.

I went out of town for two weeks and came back now the car will not start checked the battery it is at full charge with good clean connections, Put the key in depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor turn the Key.....Nothing. All the dash lights come on as normal no error codes showing everything in car works however when turn that key the last little bit for the starter nothing. this happend once before but 20 minutes latter it started and has been fine since however it was the same way before it sat for two weeks when it happened. checked all the fuses all fine. I do not hear any relays clicking ( not sure if I should ) however I would think so, The front electric fans come on. Any ideas?

Maybe a brake or shift interlock problem? Have you tried moving the shifter through the pattern and back?

Just thought. I have seen some mentions of this before.

Doug

Are you 100% sure the battery is good. The only time my 2001 SLK wouldn't start is when the original battery failed at 4 1/2 years with 35,000 miles.
No warning...just wouldn't start when I came out of the Mall one night. Luckily there was a Sears at the mall to get a new battery.

Yes positive the battery is good , even tried another battery directly out of my Rover.. same thing Time for me to go purchase a service manual for this thing already? I know I do not hear any solenoids clicking in so I am thinking it is possible the switch has took a hit but before I go at that I need to know where the test points are so I can check and see where I loose voltage ... heck I don't even know where the solenoids are in this thing yet!

MBLR, it sounds like an interlock problem with the shifter or clutch mechanism. Perhaps something is loose or needs an adjustment. Have you tried starting the car in Neutral with and without the clutch pedal depressed?

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

The ignition switch sends power signal to the clutch pedal switch & then to relay module & then to the starter. Either the clutch switch or the relay module is the most likely problem.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
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Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
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Ok I manage to wow actualy get at the clutch switch and that is no small feat for me being 6'3" tall anyhow the switch tests good and have power at both sides of the switch. Now the hard part where is the Relay I need to get at?

Thanks!

The relay is part of a "module" in the fuse box. Will have somewhat "large" purple wire coming out of 1 of the connectors.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Ok here is where I am at with the just will not start problem....
Checked and found good the clutch switch ( even jumped it out for testing ).
Checked and found to be good the the N65 relay pack ( put it in another slk to test) and it worked fine.
What I do not get is the power signal to the N65 Relay pack located in the fuse box area under hood in engine compartment.
Did change batterys in Key sets.
Did try different battery in car (gosh darn now where did I put that radio code?) .
Did put test jumper at N65 Relay and engine did crank over (no start) I been told that I need to find and check the W40 Relay?

Yeah !!!! The SLK is Running again Thank You everyone who posted suggestions and helped me with my stubborn I have to Do It MySelf!

Ok What the problem was ...... the darn K40 Relay pack. It did not have cracked or "pulled" solder joints what it had was conections that looked like they got very hot at one time and had a gray/white powder on them. I cleaned this all up and put a water displacement electrical lube on them and now it starts and runs great again! Thank you everyone! I plan to open things up again soon to find out why it got wet at one time and will take pictures of everything to post for everyone.