2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 1.8L Petrol · 755 XPA

The most recent MOT on 2026-05-05 showed the vehicle passed, but recorded two brake-related defects: front brake pads wearing thin and front brake discs that were worn, pitted, or scored. These issues were also noted in the failed MOT on 2026-04-29, which added a fractured offside front coil spring and a minor oil leak. The coil spring failure is a significant safety concern, as it affects suspension integrity and could lead to loss of control. The recurring brake defects suggest ongoing wear, potentially linked to low-mileage usage or inconsistent maintenance. The pattern of defects shows a worsening trend. While earlier MOTs (2025-05-21 and 2023-05-31) had no issues, the 2024-05-20 MOT noted a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust cover, a minor but indicative fault. The 2026-04-29 failure introduced a critical suspension component failure (coil spring) and an oil leak, both of which were unresolved by the subsequent pass. This suggests emerging mechanical vulnerabilities, particularly in suspension and braking systems. The vehicle’s mileage of 68,781 miles over 15 years equates to roughly 4,585 miles annually, which is low for its age. This could indicate light use or prolonged periods of inactivity, both of which may contribute to component degradation.