DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 18 city / 25 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 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two seaters offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 8% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 SLK-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 SLK-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK280 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| SLK280 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +8% | $4,100 | 444 |
| SLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $4,350 | 468 |
| SLK55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -14% | $5,150 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche 911 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi R8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Cadillac XLR | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 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 2008 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 |
| 2007 SLK-Class | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 SLK-Class | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 SLK-Class | 19 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →