2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23 highway), 4% better than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,350 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SLK55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -13% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW 3 Series | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Acura NSX | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Porsche Boxster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Cadillac XLR | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi TT Roadster | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SLK-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 SLK-Class | 27 | 162.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 SLK-Class | 26 | 162.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 SLK-Class | 26 | 162.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 SLK-Class | 26 | 162.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 SLK-Class | 26 | 162.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 SLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 SLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 SLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 SLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 SLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 SLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →