2003 Mercedes SL 3.7L Petrol · BC03 AMC

The most recent MOT, conducted on 16 June 2026, was passed but returned three advisories and one minor defect. The advisories relate to light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorber, play in the off‑side front inner and outer tie‑rod, and slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint together with a severely deteriorated dust cover. The minor defect concerns the same ball‑joint dust cover. Earlier MOTs in 2025, 2023 and 2022 were clean, indicating that the vehicle has been generally well maintained but is now beginning to show age‑related wear in the front‑end steering and rear suspension components. At 123,262 mi for a 23‑year‑old Mercedes SL the annual average is roughly 5,300 mi, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi per year seen on more heavily used examples. Such low utilisation suggests periods of limited use or long intervals of standing, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because seals, bushings and rubber components can deteriorate from age alone. The modest mileage does not automatically guarantee the condition of wear items; rather it places greater emphasis on calendar‑based degradation of suspension bushings, shock absorber seals and rubber dust covers. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the rear shock absorber that is reported to be leaking a fine mist of oil; this can be an early sign of seal failure that may later lead to loss of damping efficiency, rear‑end vibration or uneven tyre wear. The front tie‑rod play should be checked for any looseness when steering at low speed, clunking noises on cornering, or uneven tyre wear on the front axle. The ball‑joint play and the badly deteriorated dust cover should be examined for excessive movement, knocking sounds when the wheel is rocked, and any ingress of dirt that could accelerate joint wear. If any of these symptoms are present, anticipate a replacement of the affected tie‑rod, ball joint and possibly the rear shock, as these are safety‑critical components that should be addressed before further road use. Beyond the specific advisories, the car’s age warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracking, dry rot or hardening, as ageing tyres can fail even with low mileage. Assess the 12 V battery for charge holding and corrosion on terminals, especially if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding, as standing can cause pistons to seize. Confirm that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed within the recommended intervals, and look for any signs of leaks around seals and gaskets. A complete service book with dated stamps will help corroborate regular maintenance, and a visual check for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and suspension mounting points will reveal any hidden corrosion that could affect structural integrity. Addressing these items will give you a clear picture of the car’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable condition.