Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor
21 MPG The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1999–2003 run it averages 21.8 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25.5 | $3675 | 424 | 2 |
| 2002 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $3500 | 405 | 2 |
| 2001 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27 | $3500 | 405 | 2 |
| 2000 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 27.5 | $3500 | 404 | 2 |
| 1999 | 22 MPG | 19 | 27.5 | $3500 | 404 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor ranks 40 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac Fiero (21.5), Porsche 718 Boxster S (21.5), Porsche 718 Cayman S (21.5), Porsche Boxster S (21.5), Porsche Cayman S (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 424 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor get?
The 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.8 MPG, ranging from 20 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $3675.
Has the Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 22 MPG in 1999 to 21 in 2003. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor efficient for its class?
It ranks 40 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 0.4 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.