When you find the problem let us know, i've been dealing with the same problem for three years now and can't find the issue.

 

every 230 had/has that issue. starts funny then warms up

 

Good to know it's not just mine, thanks for the feedback.

My wife says I need a hobby, I guess I found one!

 

My gf at that time had a 2002 230. I had a 2002 320. She always said, why does her car do that? Me with my big 6 cylinders said because you only have 4.

 

So this 'problem' seems to be a 'feature.'
From my 2000 SLK 230 manual, page 149:
"With the transmission in gear range "D", "4", or "3", upshifting from from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures. During this brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction. However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation."

I just got in the habit of letting the car run for about 45 seconds before I drive off. That seems to be long enough to get past this crazy and annoying issue.

--Randy

 

Figured it out

So I think I figured out the problem , cracked head gasket. Checked compression and number 2 is lower, also, small Amount of coolant is "missing" about a 1/2 gallon a week. Pulled the plug and sure enough the #2 cylinder looked wet when cold. Figure must be cracked a head gasket.

Would also explain intermittent overheating. Going to try the bars stop leak before sinking 1600 into gettingitmfixed.

Will keep the forum posted.

 

Well that's not good news!! keep us updated please.

 

This post is funny. I was just in my garage and the old lady came in to steal my 230 for a few hours and she started it and it sounds like (from the front of the car) maybe an egr pipe (if it has one) is leaky or something. Kinda tractory sounding with a minimal exhaust leaky noise up front and a bit shakey sounding but like you all say, for only 10 to 15 seconds. Then it quiets and purrs like a kitty. I was pondering the idea of what did the slk sound like brand new in the lot starting up for a test drive? mine only has 70k.

 

Follow up SLK head gasket

it was a rotted head gasket. my 2000 SLK 230 had about 110K miles on it, and that was the problem. starts great, runs great, no overheating.

Bars stopleak didn't work (in fact it plugged up the duo valve a couple times! suggest not using it). new headgasket kit, Bolts, valvecover gasket, and while in there had the two serpentine belts replaced. fixed.

I suspect that the rusted headgasket is the cause for many older slk's performing poorly.

 

The hydraulic valve lifters will take a little while to pump up after starting.

That may explain why a perfectly good engine may 'tractor' for a while. When the engine is at rest some of the lifters are under tension from the cam. So they drain down over time. When you start up they are 'deflated' and until the oil pressure pumps the lifters up the valves won't open correctly. When they are do the valve timing is all correct and all smooths out.

Regards, Chris