1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.3L Petrol · S133 HAN
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (2.3L, petrol). First registered 10/08/1998. Recorded mileage 123,208 miles. MOT valid until 14/11/2026. Taxed until 01/02/2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/02/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 123,208 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 2298cc
S133 HAN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2025
- 123,208 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
Technical Specifications
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Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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S133 HAN Mileage History
- 28/10/2021113,798 mi
- 15/11/2022116,867 mi+3,069 mi
- 17/10/2023120,155 mi+3,288 mi
- 12/11/2024121,610 mi+1,455 mi
- 16/10/2025123,208 mi+1,598 mi
Average of roughly 2,372 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S133 HAN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Mercedes-Benz Slk (S133 HAN) between October 2021 and October 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 9 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution: This 1998 Mercedes SLK, while showing relatively low mileage for its age, has a history of multiple major failures including corroded brake pipes and broken coil springs, making it a high‑risk purchase. Proceed only if you are prepared for extensive repairs or can negotiate a substantial discount.
Inspect the front brake pipes and suspension components closely, looking for signs of corrosion, cracked coil springs, worn anti‑roll bar pins and any play in the steering rack inner joint, as these items have repeatedly appeared as major failures in the MOT history. Review the full service record to confirm that any previous repairs were carried out with genuine parts and that the vehicle has been maintained at regular intervals; a professional independent inspection focusing on tyre condition, wheel bearing play, exhaust integrity and fluid leaks is strongly recommended. When negotiating price, factor in the likely cost of remedial work such as brake pipe replacement, suspension bush renewal and tyre replacement, and remember that older Mercedes models typically incur higher insurance and maintenance expenses.
The 2.3‑litre petrol engine is expected to deliver around 25‑30 mpg, placing it in a relatively low tax band (approximately 27% for a 1998 2.3 L petrol car) and an insurance group around 15‑17. Maintenance costs are higher than average for a vehicle of this age because of the need to replace ageing suspension bushes, brake components and potentially the exhaust system, with typical annual servicing running into a few hundred pounds. Taking fuel, tax, insurance and expected maintenance into account, the estimated annual running cost is roughly £1,200‑£1,500.
Start by examining the front brake system for any signs of pipe corrosion, especially on the near‑side and off‑side lines, and check the condition of the coil springs and suspension bushes, including the anti‑roll bar pins, as these have been highlighted as major and advisory items in multiple MOT tests. Pay close attention to tyre tread depth and wear patterns, wheel bearing play, the condition of the brake discs and pads, and the integrity of the exhaust system and lambda sensor, since exhaust leaks and worn tyres have been recurring issues. Finally, look for rust on the underbody, wheel arches and shock absorber casings, verify that the rear differential oil leak has been addressed, and ensure the steering rack inner joint shows no excessive play, as these areas have repeatedly failed inspection.
The vehicle has accumulated 123,208 miles since its first registration in August 1998 and has passed the majority of its recent MOT tests with only advisory notes, indicating that it has been generally maintained. However, the MOT record reveals recurring issues such as worn suspension components, frequent tyre wear, and several major failures including corroded brake pipes and a broken coil spring. These concerns, combined with its age, suggest that while the car may appear cosmetically sound, it carries significant mechanical risk and may require substantial investment to remain road‑worthy.
The Mercedes‑Benz SLK of this era is generally regarded as reliable but is known for susceptibility to suspension bush wear, brake pipe corrosion and exhaust system failures, which are reflected in this vehicle’s MOT history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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