2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.0L Petrol · BF55 NUK
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 78,561 miles. MOT valid until 08 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,561 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.0L
- 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.
BF55 NUK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/04/2026
- 78,561 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BF55 NUK 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz Sl (BF55 NUK) between March 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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 Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid Offside washer jets not providing any fluid (3.5 (a)”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Lower rear arm to suspension strut ball joint/pin has excessive”.
BF55 NUK Mileage History
- 02/03/202378,330 mi
- 15/03/202378,345 mi+15 mi
- 21/02/202478,392 mi+47 mi
- 11/03/202578,514 mi+122 mi
- 10/04/202678,561 mi+47 mi
Average of roughly 74 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171)
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (BF55 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BF55NUK.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPRT SVR CRBN ED A
REX
UNIC
TAXI
VOLKSWAGEN
CADDY C20 COMMERCE PRO TDI
FORD
MODEL A
HYUNDAI
KONA N LINE HEV S-A
NISSAN
PATROL
NISSAN
NAVARA
NISSAN
NAVARA
NISSAN
MICRA
NISSAN
ALMERA
NISSAN
X-TRAIL
MERCEDES-BENZ SL 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 2005 model year cars.
- M272 V6 Balance Shaft WearSerious
Early 3.0L and 3.5L V6 engines used soft metal gears on the balance shaft. The gears wear down, altering engine timing and requiring a massive engine-out repair.
- Vario-Roof Hydraulic LeaksModerate
The complex folding hardtop uses multiple hydraulic cylinders that can leak as the seals age.
- Rear Subframe Corrosion and PerforationSerious
The pressed-steel multi-link rear subframe on the R171 SLK is highly prone to severe internal corrosion, aggravated by decades of wet UK winter roads and road salt. Moisture and grime accumulate inside the hollow box sections, rusting the subframe from the inside out until structural perforation occurs around the suspension control arm mounting points. In severe cases, an arm mount shears off entirely, causing sudden dangerous rear-wheel steering and an immediate MOT failure. Mercedes-Benz UK has historically assessed replacements under goodwill on a case-by-case basis.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.