2003 Mercedes-Benz C 2.1L Diesel · AJ53 AAJ
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (2.1L, diesel). First registered 17 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 172,202 miles. MOT expired on 15 Oct 2022. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Oct 2022
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 172,202 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
This vehicle has not had an MOT in the past 5 years. Mechanical analysis was skipped.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
AJ53 AAJ Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/10/2021
- 172,202 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AJ53 AAJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (AJ53 AAJ) between October 2006 and October 2021.
The record contains 16 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 02 October 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated (3.1.3c)”; “Offside Rear rear brake grabbing severely (3.7.A.5b)”.
AJ53 AAJ Mileage History
- 13/10/200683,190 mi
- 16/04/200788,151 mi+4,961 mi
- 09/04/200899,192 mi+11,041 mi
- 09/04/200899,192 mi
- 08/04/2009107,716 mi+8,524 mi
- 14/04/2009107,853 mi+137 mi
- 13/04/2010115,870 mi+8,017 mi
- 31/03/2011120,944 mi+5,074 mi
- 26/03/2012124,281 mi+3,337 mi
- 26/03/2012124,281 mi
- 02/04/2013129,018 mi+4,737 mi
- 01/04/2014134,084 mi+5,066 mi
- 26/03/2015140,077 mi+5,993 mi
- 22/03/2016143,381 mi+3,304 mi
- 29/03/2017145,570 mi+2,189 mi
- 19/03/2018146,954 mi+1,384 mi
- 12/04/2019151,784 mi+4,830 mi
- 07/10/2020164,566 mi+12,782 mi
- 02/10/2021172,202 mi+7,636 mi
Average of roughly 5,946 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Valeo radiator gearbox contaminationSerious
Radiator can leak coolant into the transmission fluid, destroying the gearbox.
- M271 timing chain stretchSerious
The 1.8 Kompressor petrol engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing rattling on cold start. In severe cases the chain can jump, destroying the engine.
- Rust on arches, sills and bootlidSerious
W203s are notorious for corrosion around the wheel arches, sills and bootlid edges. Structural corrosion on sills and subframe mounting areas is an MOT failure.
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