DecodedCars2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 21 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 — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a two seaters offered with 4 engines (5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), 7% worse than the 2005 two seaters average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -7% | $4,850 | 523 |
| SL55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -23% | $5,850 | 635 |
| SL600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 18 / 14 | -23% | $5,850 | 635 |
| SL65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 18 / 13 | -29% | $6,300 | 684 |
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 SL-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Porsche Carrera GT | 11 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-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 SL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 SL-Class | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 SL-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 SL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 SL-Class | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 SL-Class | 23 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 SL-Class | 23 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →