2003 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · BD53 VTO
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (1.8L, petrol). First registered 30 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 85,011 miles. MOT status: Failed.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 85,011 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
BD53 VTO Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/03/2022
- 85,011 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BD53 VTO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (BD53 VTO) between March 2022 and March 2022.
The record contains 0 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 21 March 2022 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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: “Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
BD53 VTO Mileage History
- 18/03/202284,988 mi
- 21/03/202285,011 mi+23 mi
Average of roughly 2,683 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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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: Poor
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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MERCEDES-BENZ C Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
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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