2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
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2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class ▼
- Price Range: $26,500 - $52,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Exterior finish
- Acceleration (SLK55 AMG)
- Interior materials
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Ride (SLK55 AMG)
- Cargo room
- Entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 2005, this two-seat convertible had new styling, features, and engines. It was slightly larger and heavier than its 1998-2004 predecessor, but retained a power-folding hardtop. Two models were offered. The SLK350 had a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp, 53 hp more than the previous 3.2 V6. It came with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic with manual shift gate. The high-performance SLK55 AMG model had a 355-hp V8 and 7-speed automatic. SLKs came with ABS and traction/antiskid control. Also standard were knee airbags and side airbags designed to protect head and torso. They also included rollover deployment. The SLK350 had 17-inch wheels, the SLK55 18s. The SLK350 Sport Package option included firmer suspension, high-performance tires on different-style 17-inch wheels, lower-body aero trim, and steering-wheel shift buttons for the automatic transmission. Also optional was an industry-first feature Mercedes calls the Airscarf. It placed a heater and fan within each seatback to deliver heated air through neck-level vents.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercedes-Benz SLK350, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class:
Mercedes-Benz added a new base model to its lineup of two-seat hardtop convertibles. The SLK280 had a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6 and manual or automatic transmission.
2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class:
The smaller of Mercedes-Benz's two-seat convertibles was unchanged for 2007.
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class:
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class was little changed.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
SLK350s are the only models made available for testing. They have ample power from any speed, and Mercedes-Benz's estimate of 5.5 sec 0-60 mph with either transmission feels right. Both transmissions have smooth shift action, with the manual giving the most sporty feel. A test manual-transmission version averaged 22.7 mpg. We have not had an opportunity to measure with the automatic. All SLKs require premium-grade fuel. SLK rides like the sports car it is. The base suspension feels firm, but not harsh, over expansion joints and patchy pavement. The Sport Package's uprated suspension has great high-speed ride control, but it induces further choppiness on rough roads. At the same time, these convertibles deliver adroit handling response with good balance through turns. The Sport Package sharpens SLK's reflexes further still, but it's not really enough to offset the detriment to ride quality. They're not obnoxiously loud, but exhaust rumble is noticeable at any speed. The tires rumble on coarse surfaces, and wind noise is modest. Interior design is classy as expected from a Mercedes. Materials are of top-shelf quality, and the available wood or aluminum trim further dresses up the cabin. Top operation is a one-button affair, and it takes about 22 sec to raise or lower. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel is a driver comfort plus, but the seats lack lumbar adjustment. The power hardtop does eat into trunk space. With the top up, there's sufficient space for a long weekend's worth of luggage. Top down, space shrinks to just enough room for a couple small, soft suitcases.
Value for the Money
It may not be the first nameplate mentioned when talk turns to sports cars, but the SLK has enough accessible everyday performance to hold its own in pretty fast company. Of broader appeal is its blend of open-air excitement, hardtop security, solid engineering, and Mercedes prestige.
It may not be the first nameplate mentioned when talk turns to sports cars, but the SLK has enough accessible everyday performance to hold its own in pretty fast company. Of broader appeal is its blend of open-air excitement, hardtop security, solid engineering, and Mercedes prestige.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercedes-Benz SLK350, automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Rumbling or squealing noises may come from the A/C compressor due to a bad pulley or bearings for which there are improved components. (2003-06)
Check-engine light:
The wiring harness in the engine compartment can rub on a bracket and can short out and blow a fuse, causing the check engine light to come on. (2005)
Electrical problem:
The steering wheel controls may quit working due to malfunction of the steering angle sensor. (2005-06)
Steering problems:
Dealers were checking all vehicles that came in for service to replace a steering rack boot that was possibly damaged during assembly. (2005)
Water leak:
Water leaks at the windshield or rear window-to-trunk due to seal failures and revised seals have been made available. (2005-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,345 |
| Alternator | $780 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,210 |
| Brakes | $610 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,420 |
| Exhaust System | $1,405 |
| Radiator | $760 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $6,340 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,050 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| SLK280 | $38,000-40,000 | $35,300-37,200 | $27,000-28,400 |
| SLK350 | $41,000-44,000 | $38,500-41,400 | $29,500-31,700 |
| SLK55 AMG | $52,500-55,500 | $49,400-52,200 | $39,400-41,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| SLK280 | $33,500-35,500 | $31,200-33,000 | $23,800-25,200 |
| SLK350 | $36,000-38,000 | $33,500-35,300 | $25,600-27,000 |
| SLK55 AMG | $45,500-48,500 | $42,800-45,600 | $33,700-35,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| SLK280 | $30,000-32,000 | $27,900-29,800 | $21,000-22,400 |
| SLK350 | $32,000-34,000 | $29,800-31,600 | $22,400-23,800 |
| SLK55 AMG | $39,500-41,500 | $36,700-38,600 | $28,400-29,900 |
| 2005 | |||
| SLK350 | $28,500-30,200 | $26,500-28,100 | $19,400-20,500 |
| SLK55 AMG | $35,000-37,000 | $32,600-34,400 | $24,900-26,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 160.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3231 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 268 | 258 | 6-speed manual: 18/25 7-speed automatic: 19/25 |
6-speed manual: -- 7-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V8 | 5.4 / 332 | 355 | 376 | 7-speed automatic: 16/22 | 7-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 228 | 221 | 6-speed manual: 19/27 7-speed automatic: 20/27 |
6-speed manual: -- 7-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005-09:
An incorrect software calibration number (SCN) coding received during a recent workshop visit can affect a number of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the check engine light may illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed. Dealers will recode the SCN.
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