- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Two-seaters
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class MPG & Fuel Cost
5 configurations · 17–22 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 8 of 10 two-seater configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class at a glance
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has 5 configurations in the EPA database, rated 17–22 MPG combined. The most efficient is the SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD at 22 MPG, which costs about $3,650 a year to fuel at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Annual fuel cost across the configurations runs from $3,650 to $4,730, a $1,080 difference. The SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD costs less to fuel than 8 of 10 two-seater configurations rated for MY2003 (class median $4,460 a year).
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
What the 2003 SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$304
$3,650 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.08
Per 100 miles
$24.33
Five years
$18,250
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the two-seater median
$810less a year
Class median $4,460 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (5)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.3L 4-cyl | RWD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,650 |
| SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 2.3L 4-cyl | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,020 |
| SLK320 3.2L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 3.2L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| SLK320 3.2L 6-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 3.2L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 24 | 18 | $4,460 |
| SLK32 AMG | 3.2L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 21 | 17 | $4,730 |
5 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD: $4,350 in California and $3,170 in Texas, a $1,180 difference.
- California $4,350
- Washington $4,100
- New York $3,610
- Florida $3,330
- Texas $3,170
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 two-seater models.
Generations
Frequently asked questions
How does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2001-2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class) is rated 18–23 MPG combined and costs $3,490–$4,460 a year to fuel; the 2003 model is rated 17–22 MPG and costs $3,650–$4,730 a year.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class get?
EPA rates the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class at 17–22 MPG combined across 5 configurations. The most efficient, the SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD, is rated 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year. Across all 5 configurations the cost runs $3,650–$4,730 a year. That is a $1,080 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 100 miles?
About $24.33 per 100 miles for the SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $24.33 and $31.53 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD is rated 19 city and 26 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class compare with other two-seater configurations?
The SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L 4-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year to fuel, $810 less than the class median of $4,460, and less than 8 of 10 two-seater configurations. The comparison covers all 53 rated two-seater configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 23 to 22 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,490 to $3,650, $160 more. EPA lists 5 configurations for 2003 against 5 configurations for 2002. See the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class for that year.