98 SLK 230 - Problems?
 

One of my friends is looking at a 98 SLK Kompressor.

What are the problem areas for this vehicle?

The owner said something about paint not adhering properly to the interior???

I wonder if this car has the dreaded wiring harness issues?

Any experiences or information about what the likely problem area are would be greatly appreciated.

One of the "worst" common problems is water leakage in the trunk area.

Damage to the central locking pump can be costly & the trunk seal is CHEAP.

My thoughts are
The Kompressor motors will sometimes get codes for emission problems, as it uses the compressor for the air pump and there are flaps and switchover valves involved and gets kind of troublesome. Nothing that would keep you from getting from point A to Point B, very little on this engine will.
On the top, usually works fine, as far as the hydraulics, but sometimes there are problems with limit switches in various locations, especially up in the header.
I hope he bought it "right". But man, if it's working right, they really are fun to scoot around in. To comapre it to the main competition, the Z3 and the Boxster, I would say way better than a Z3, maybe not quite as fun as a Boxster, but would can usually buy an SLK for less than either one.
Gilly