2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
Price Estimate: $5,473 - $7,893





+154
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spirited performance
- versatile convertible hardtop
- sharp handling
- comfortable ride.
Cons
- Some blind spots
- steering lacks feel
- no rev-matching downshifts with automatic.
What’s new
For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz SLK300 and SLK350 models now feature as standard equipment the previously optional bodywork upgrades from the Sport package (front airdam, rocker-sill skirts and rear spoiler). Other changes for 2011 include standard black inlays around the headlights, an optional prepaid maintenance program and the deletion of the ultra-performance AMG trim level from the model mix.
Edmunds says
While Mercedes convertibles have always offered luxury, solidity and brand cachet, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class does them one better by being a driver's car.
For sale nationwide
7 listings
- 98,008 miles
- Frame damage reported, 5 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Mira Auto Sales (808 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
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Located in Cincinnati, OH
**2011 Mercedes Benz SLK 300 2dr Conv** - **Mileage: 98XXX - **Engine: 3.0L V6 - **Title: CLEAN - **Drivetrain: RWD **Features** - **Leather Interio...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBWK5EAXBF242005
Stock: 242005
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-08-2025- 34,319 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- VIP Auto (1,153 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
Vehicle Overview You are viewing a One Owner Carfax Certified 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK300 / 34319 MILES / PREMIUM PACKAGE / SPORT PACKAGE / HEATED SEATS...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDBWK5EAXBF239895
Stock: 4673
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-24-2025
Vehicle overview
When it debuted in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offered something unique in its segment of small sporting cars: a retractable hardtop. With the ability to deliver the traditional fresh-air experience of a sports car and the security and all-weather comfort of a coupe, the SLK combined driving enjoyment and practicality in a way that its rivals couldn't match. In the beginning the SLK was more like a boutique cruiser than a driver's car, but Mercedes gave it more serious driving credentials with the model's makeover in 2005. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will be the final year of this current-generation car, yet it's still an alluring choice in its niche.
Without sacrificing a comfortable ride, the SLK provides an enjoyable drive thanks to its agile handling and a choice of spirited engines. Among its competition, the Mercedes SLK remains the most likable car on a daily basis. The Porsche Boxster is the choice for those seeking ultimate driving thrills, but its comfort quotient is low. The recently revised 2011 BMW Z4 hardtop convertible has become more like the SLK in its combination of daily comfort and weekend driving enjoyment, and offers quicker acceleration, a more spacious cockpit and slightly better visibility when the hardtop is up.
Though the specifications sheet might seem to relegate the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class to 3rd place behind the other two German thoroughbreds, the numbers don't tell the whole story. For those shopping in this segment, the performance of any of these three will be more than enough. The choice really comes down to what pushes your buttons in other areas, such as styling or perhaps the driving position. Though it's due for a redesign next year, the SLK-Class is certainly not outdated, and we have no qualms recommending it to anyone looking for a stylish two-seater for touring.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes estimates the SLK300 will accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the automatic, and 18/26/20 with the manual.
The SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Mercedes estimates the SLK350 will accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/25/20 mpg.
Safety
Safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the head and thorax. The Mercedes-Benz "mbrace" emergency telematics system is also standard. In Edmunds brake testing, the SLK350 came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 115 feet.
Driving
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK delivers respectable performance, as the SLK300's 3.0-liter V6 can be matched with a manual transmission and the SLK350's 3.5-liter V6 has a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic (unfortunately rev-matched downshifts aren't available, however). The SLK handles with enough responsiveness to satisfy an enthusiast, yet the ride remains compliant and comfortable enough for daily driving. Only in direct comparison with more focused sports cars like the Porsche Boxster will the SLK seem compromised in the communication from its controls and its willingness to follow the road.
Interior
With its retractable hardtop deployed, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional two-seat coupe. Leg- and headroom are acceptable, though the BMW Z4 is still roomier inside. The only notable drawback involves the SLK's inferior sight lines, as the intricately constructed roof creates significant blind spots. Press the button to lower the top, though, and all will be forgiven, as al fresco motoring is just 22 seconds away. When lowered, the folded top naturally eats up trunk space, but a modest 6.5 cubic feet is still available.
Interior construction isn't quite up to the level of Benz's latest models, but still, you're unlikely to feel cheated by the SLK. The seats provide exemplary support and adequate long-distance comfort. We highly recommend the Airscarf system, which blows warm air on your neck -- it sounds weird but it works. Add to all this heated seats, a capable heating system and perhaps a warm hat, and all-season top-down motoring is easily accomplished.
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class models
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-passenger hardtop convertible offered in two versions: SLK300 and SLK350, each of which comes with a different engine.
Standard equipment for the SLK300 includes the 3.0-liter V6 engine, electronically actuated retractable hardtop, 17-inch wheels, sport body accents (front airdam, rocker-sill skirts and rear spoiler), front and rear foglamps, cruise control, manually adjusted dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, manually adjusted eight-way front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer. The SLK350 adds a 3.5-liter V6, 18-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.
The Premium I package adds remote operation for the roof, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, eight-way power front seats (including lumbar adjustment), driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering column and an iPod interface. The Sport package adds 18-inch wheels (for the SLK300), a sport suspension, and on automatic-transmission SLKs, paddle shifters.
The Multimedia package includes the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, digital music storage, satellite radio and HD radio. The Lighting package adds bi-xenon headlamps, corner-illuminating foglights and headlamp washers. The Heating package adds a cloth wind deflector, the Airscarf neck-level heating system and heated seats.
Stand-alone options include dual-zone automatic climate control, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, upgraded beige leather upholstery, wood interior accents and a new prepaid maintenance option that covers maintenance requirements for 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

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Compare 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$236/mo for SLK-Class SLK300
SLK-Class SLK300
vs
$166/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#9 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$486/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
1.5x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
8.8%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
What's not to like?
5 out of 5 starsAnonymous, 12/06/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I purchased the car because I was tired of looking for "safe" parking for my Porsche Boxster. The hard-top convertible gives me peace-of-mind so I can park on-street. For the first few weeks, I really missed the Porsche. But now I wouldn't go back. After adjusting to the different ride characteristics, I feel it handles as well as the Boxster and is far superior for longer drives. The … AMG sport package is a must if you want a sports car experience. I've owned MG's, Triumphs, 240Z, 260Z, Porsche 911 Carrerra, Porsche 944 and Porsche Boxster (yes, I'm now an old guy.) This car is as much fun as any of my past cars, and as fast as anything I've driven.
Great around town
4.88 out of 5 starsacslk, 02/15/2010
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
This is a great car to drive! For around town driving, it has the right compromise between comfort and performance. It's soft enough so that it is comfortable on the bump and pot hole ridden streets around where I live. However, when on twisty roads in the country, it performs wonderfully at any speed you would drive on public roads. The 300 HP 3.5L V6 gives this car impressive … straight line performance. It's definitely not a Porsche, but it's not supposed to be... The retractable hard top is wonderful considering the amount of rain we get. Build quality is excellent - no squeaks or rattles to speak of and no other problems / issues after 1 year of ownership.
A true sleeper which should get more respect
5 out of 5 starsr1150gs01, 08/22/2016
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK55 AMG 2dr Convertible (5.4L 8cyl 7A)
I am amazed at how inexpensive this car is on the used market. It is a true supercar at the price of a Miata! Incredible handling, killer looks, awesome straight line acceleration, stop on a dime brakes, and way better than advertised fuel economy. Loving every minute.
The Perfect Machine
4.63 out of 5 starsWFTJR, 06/06/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
The lease was up on my 2006 E350 so I jumped into a 2008 SLK 280. The E350 is flawless but I needed more of a "wow" factor. The black exterior with the tan and black interior is stunning. This car is the perfect blend of performance and luxury. My SLK has Premium III (navigation) with the appearance package. The retractable hardtop is provides the "wow" factor. The fun of driving a … convertible without the downside of a ragtop. My only other convertable was a 2003 Z4. The SLK provides more convenience, safety and luxury than the Z4. Remember, it's not how fast you go, it's how well you go fast.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLK-Class since its last redesign.
2011 SLK-Class Highlights
SLK300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $47,650 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SLK-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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