2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.1L Diesel · MD65 WGC

A recurring pattern of inner-edge tyre wear defines this SLK's MOT history more than anything else. Front tyres worn on the inner edge were flagged as advisories in both 2021 and 2022, and by June 2023 the situation had deteriorated to the point where both front tyres had ply or cords exposed on the inner edge, resulting in a dangerous failure on 19 June 2023. The car was retested and passed the following day, presumably after tyre replacement. The wear pattern then migrated to the rear axle, with both rear tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge in 2024. Encouragingly, the two most recent tests in June 2025 and June 2026 passed with no defects or advisories whatsoever, suggesting the tyre and possibly geometry issues have been addressed, though the historical pattern warrants scrutiny. Recorded mileage stands at 57,904 miles over roughly eleven years, averaging about 5,264 miles annually, which is low for the age. Tests have occurred consistently each June with no gaps in the annual sequence, so there is no evidence of extended off-road periods in the record. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than showing sudden jumps, and this lighter-use profile is consistent with the absence of corrosion, brake component, or suspension advisories across the entire history. That said, low annual mileage does not explain the repeated edge wear on tyres; that pattern points to wheel geometry rather than usage volume. The inner-edge wear seen repeatedly on the front axle, and later on the rear, is characteristic of incorrect wheel alignment, typically excessive negative camber or toe settings, though worn suspension bushes or damaged geometry components can produce the same result. On inspection, examine the current tyres closely along their inner shoulders for uneven wear, feathering, or reduced tread depth relative to the outer edges, as this will reveal whether the alignment issue has genuinely been resolved or merely masked by fresh tyres. On a test drive, check whether the car tracks straight on a level road with the steering wheel centred, and note any tendency to pull to one side under braking or cruising, which would suggest the geometry remains out of specification. Beyond the tyres, the only other mechanical item flagged was rear brake pads wearing thin in June 2023, a routine consumable that was evidently replaced given the clean tests since. The repeated notes about under trays and engine covers being fitted are standard observations limiting inspection visibility rather than defects, but a buyer should be aware that items beneath those trays, such as oil seepage or exhaust condition, could not be fully assessed at those tests. During the test drive, listen for any knocks or rattles from the suspension over uneven surfaces, confirm the brakes operate smoothly without judder or pulling, and consider requesting a four-wheel alignment check and a lift inspection with the under trays removed before purchase, given this car's documented history of geometry-related tyre destruction.