Mercedes Benz SLK vs BMW 528XI
Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.
Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.
| Measure | Mercedes Benz SLK | BMW 528XI |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 96 | 239 |
| Model years covered | 1998–2009 | 2008–2014 |
| Worst model year | 2002 | 2012 |
| Best model year | 2003 | 2010 |
| Crashes reported | 2 | 6 |
| Fires reported | 0 | 7 |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 5 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 |
| Most complained-about part | Windows, Mirrors & Wipers | Engine & Cooling |
| Share of complaints involving harm | 5.2% | 7.5% |
Mercedes Benz SLK by year
What breaks
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
18
18.8%
Electrical System
13
13.5%
Lights
12
12.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain
9
9.4%
Engine & Cooling
7
7.3%
Brakes
7
7.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
7
7.3%
Stability & Traction Control
7
7.3%
BMW 528XI by year
What breaks
Engine & Cooling
87
36.4%
Transmission & Drivetrain
36
15.1%
Electrical System
33
13.8%
Lights
20
8.4%
Airbags
18
7.5%
Other & Unspecified
13
5.4%
Fuel & Propulsion
11
4.6%
Seat Belts
6
2.5%