Mercedes-Benz SLK

Name: 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the SLK is much more fun to drive than its predecessor. The engine provides strong power and torque and the suspension is fully capable of handling the upgraded performance. The folding hardtop provides good noise suppression and outward visibility.

2005 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

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2005 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK

$6,900 - $9,500

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Acura NSX

$42,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 BMW Z4

$6,050 - $6,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Cadillac XLR

$8,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chevrolet Corvette

$11,800 - $12,725

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda S2000

$16,275

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata

$6,500 - $8,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Mercedes-Benz SL

$8,900 - $14,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Porsche Boxster

$8,100 - $11,200

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

convertible

2 front

Rear

3.5-liter V6 (268 hp)
5.5-liter V8 (355 hp)

7-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2012-2016

2012 Redesign Year

A 2012 freshening brought a new 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic, as well as a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder with a six-speed manual. The small cabin is well finished, but narrow. On the whole though, we like this car. Handling is sporty and enjoyable, while ride and noise levels are civilized enough to leave you unrattled on a long road trip. The retractable metal top folds away quickly. When it's up, the SLK behaves as a credibly solid and quiet coupe. Safety features include antilock brakes, brake-assist and electronic stability control as standard equipment. The optional "Attention Assist" system warns drivers who show signs of growing tired. Available features for 2016 include optional blind spot monitoring. Additionally, the SLK250 was replaced by the SLK300 for 2016, which brought more power and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

2005-2011

2005 Redesign Year

This two-seat convertible has many high-end technical and safety features, including a power-folding hardtop. With the roof up it feels almost as solid as a fixed-roof coupe. Over the years, the SLK continued to be fun to drive, with agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a strong V6. In fact, this version of the SLK is even more fun to drive than its predecessor. The engine provides strong power and torque and the suspension is fully capable of handling the upgraded performance. Optional warm-air vents in the head restraints add comfort when driving with the top down on cool days. The manual shifter and clutch are a pleasure to use.

1998-2004

1998 Redesign Year

This two-seat convertible was introduced for 1998, boasting many innovative technical and safety features. Its major draw is an electrically-retractable hardtop that folds and stows in the trunk at the touch of a button. With the roof up, this convertible feels almost as solid as a fixed-roof coupe, but, overall, the SLK isn't very sporty. The steering isn't quick or precise, and the supercharged, intercooled 2.3-liter Four lacks oomph. Interior space is tight. Model-line updates include a vague and rubbery five-speed manual transmission for 1999 and the V6-powered, six-speed SLK320 for 2001.