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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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No one expects an artilleryman to hit the target on the first shot. It’s understood that there will be some overshooting and undershooting before zeroing in. Indeed, it’s the third relay you need to worry about. So it is with the SLK. Where the first generation was too weak and too bare bones, the second generation fell too close to ostentatious. One might even say tacky. Thankfully, in 2012 Mercedes has adjusted its sights appropriately and landed square in the middle of the target. The SLK is finally just right.
What did it take to get there? 2012 holds lots of changes for the SLK, with regard to chassis, powertrain and styling, and there’s even some new tech thrown in. Tech was never a weak point of the SLK – or any Mercedes, honestly – but those Deutsche dreamers never tire of automating it seems.
Externally, there are many changes to behold. Like much of the Merc lineup, the SLK has been massaged “stem to stern” as has been repeated so often in the automotive press. This means a new grille and hood – partially the result of new European pedestrian safety standards – a redesigned rear and new lights front and back. LEDs aren’t going anywhere, and they’re here in abundance. In fact, they are optionally capable of full illumination duty with daytime running and adaptive-adjustable units for driving as well. The “new” grille looks curiously similar to that found on the SLS AMG, with its upright, angular manner only emphasized by the lower air dam of the Sport Package. Both front and rear have been shortened, but the back end lends a more graceful, organic appearance when contrasted with the stark lines of the nose. Aesthetics aside, it’s good enough to lower drag coefficient to .30.
Inside is much the same with layout, materials and controls that look as though they were lifted directly from the SLS AMG. Chrome is truly an accent again, rather than a stylistic foundation, with more reserved metallic materials flanking the center console, dual driver pods and crosshair-style vents. Wood can also be added thanks to the options list, but more attention is being paid to the flashier of additions to the SLK interior. A new, chunkier wheel accents the electro-mechanical steering nicely, which blends feel between “comfort cruise” at center and “sports twitch” at the ends. It doesn’t have the directness of its German rivals, but it’s a welcome compromise for those who want to eat miles just as much as tackle corners.
While the folding metal roof was a technological breakthrough at the SLK’s introduction more than a decade and a half ago, it’s a feature no longer reserved for luxury cars. Not so anymore with magnesium frame construction and the addition of the new “Magic Sky Control” glass roof panel. The use of magnesium saves 13 pounds and allows for roof deployment at a speedier 20 seconds as opposed to 25, and the Magic Eye glass will darken at the push of a button. Buyers can also choose a more traditional body-colored metal panel or a static tinted glass panel, but the Magic Eye is quite cool – pun intended. Same with the optional photo-reflective leather, which Mercedes claims will reduce surface temperature by up to 18 degrees when sitting in the sun. But if cool is your concern rather than hot, grab the Heating Package for heated seats and the AirScarf system which blows warm air on the back of your neck for extended open-air motoring. Chassis attention by way of reinforced members and side impact structures as well as new, fiber-reinforced roll bars mean a stiffer, safer ride, and the restraint systems have received attention as well.
But you wanted to hear about the engine, yes? Previously, the 3.5-liter V6 was criticized for being overly buzzy and for a tinny, high-pitched quality to the exhaust note that hinted at anything but throaty, grunty power. If nothing else, power has increased this year thanks to new cylinder heads and direct injection, bumping output to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, good for a sprint to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
Unfortunately, the 3.5-liter V6 is available only with Mercedes’ 7-speed automated manual. While a good transmission, with three driver-selectable modes of Eco, Sport and Manual, it doesn’t offer the same sporty feel of a traditional 3-pedal setup, and for that reason will always trail behind rival German offerings.
Is this the best the SLK can be? A straight six would be preferable over the V, and a 3-pedal manual would make a world of difference, but with a turbo 4-cylinder on the way and a rumored 5.5-liter V8 AMG version hiding in the shadows, those seem small nits to pick. For now, at least it looks good.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2024
the unit has a very good and clean engine. low mileage with a very good price compare to the other dealer. the one thing the car is missing is body detailing. Jun 07, 2024
by Jim O
Dec 03, 2023
Wonderfully fun car to drive.
Amazing amount of storage even with a retractable hardtopDec 03, 2023
by Randall R
Oct 14, 2023
It was great. Had a few complications, but I’m gonna come scoop this up tomorrow . Oct 14, 2023
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2024
the unit has a very good and clean engine. low mileage with a very good price compare to the other dealer. the one thing the car is missing is body detailing. Jun 07, 2024
by Jim O
Dec 03, 2023
Wonderfully fun car to drive.
Amazing amount of storage even with a retractable hardtopDec 03, 2023
by Randall R
Oct 14, 2023
It was great. Had a few complications, but I’m gonna come scoop this up tomorrow . Oct 14, 2023
by Bill H
Jul 18, 2022
Love it so much, I bought the car. Just a whole lot of fun to drive. Jul 18, 2022
by David K
Jun 20, 2021
New model year. Great features and good value Similar to a BoxterJun 20, 2021
by Joe V
Oct 12, 2020
The is what I have been looking 4 and the price was just Wright Oct 12, 2020
by Eugene F
Jul 10, 2020
.Avery beautiful smooth riding automobile. It is a great valueJul 10, 2020
by Chaz B
May 31, 2020
Car is fast an its my dream car boom May 31, 2020
by Patrice T
Aug 28, 2013
Love this car, a lot of luxury in this sporty car. And it has more trunk space than other convertibles; roadster or coupe. Impressive! If you enjoy a car that accelerates and purrs for you this car is for you. On a hot day or cool night it makes the drive more than just a drive but an adventure!!Aug 28, 2013
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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Pricing
Original MSRP
$42,500 to $67,500Price range
$14,548 to $15,359Average price on CG
$14,548YoY price change
$15,359 to $14,548Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.5 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power retractable hard top · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Parking sensors: front and rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation