DecodedCars2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Slk 350 Convertible
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.5L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 162.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,395 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2012 two seaters (20.7 MPG).
- 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 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two seaters offered with 3 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.5L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 163 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 96-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,395 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 26% better than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
- Engines added: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 21 to 26
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 SLK-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slk 350 Convertible | 162.6 in | 71.3 in | 51.2 in | 95.7 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,395 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK250 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +26% | $3,150 | 342 |
| SLK250 | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +26% | $3,150 | 342 |
| SLK350 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +11% | $3,550 | 386 |
| SLK55 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +6% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Cayman | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW Z4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Audi R8 Spyder | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 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 2012 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →