The 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-seat sports car that came with a choice of 2.3L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl engines. At 25 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Two Seaters |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl (supercharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic 5-spd, Manual 6-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–20 city / 25–27 highway / 19–23 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,550–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 386–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations: SLK230 Kompressor, SLK320 |
| Age | 25 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
On certain passenger vehicles, failure of one of the side brake lights can occur. The base of the socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.
Risk: This deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which could lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the socket, and failure of the bulb to illuminate.
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the owner's manual does not contain the proper headlamp aiming instructions.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Owners have filed 76 complaints about the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class with NHTSA. 2 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 4 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 25 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Complaint Single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when moving off (audible at the outboard end). The clunk is heard once when changing from forward to
Complaint Headlamp, front fog lamp leaky or fogged Cause Fogging of the headlamps is a natural phenomenon, which can occur under certain climatic conditions. It does not
Complaint Headlamps leaking or fogged Cause The fogging of the headlamp is a natural phenomenon which can occur under certain climatic conditions. In contrast to a leaky
Complaint Vehicle with atypical reduced heat output. Cause Silicate granulate may have escaped from a damaged bag in the expansion reservoir (not visible), reducing the c
Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped away if highly concentrated acid based cleaners are used. Once th
Check engine light on / fault codes fc1200 / fc1208 stored in me-sfi control unit. Mercedes-Benz model c230, c280, c350, slk280, slk350, clk350, clk550, e350, e550, cls55
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
Transmission malfunction
The petitioner alleges that coffee from a cup, placed in the cup holder, spilled onto the gear shifter and shut down the vehicle?s entire electrical system. The concern raised by the petitioner was investigated (sq01-010) and was closed after odi concluded that the facts did not demonstrate a safety-related defect.odi
Brake lamp failure
In its letter dated october 28, 2005, Mercedes-Benz USA stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy defective brake lamp assemblies in model year 1998 through 2004 Mercedes benz slk vehicles.the base of the brake lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time.this deformation can cause movement
Sudden engine shut down
‹ Sell a 2000 SLK-Class · Sell a 2002 SLK-Class › · All Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2001 SLK-Classs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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