2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · BK55 VHN
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 20 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 81,226 miles. MOT expired on 07 Feb 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,226 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.7L
- 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.
BK55 VHN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/01/2025
- 81,226 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BK55 VHN 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 (BK55 VHN) between January 2023 and January 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 January 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
BK55 VHN Mileage History
- 05/01/202370,158 mi
- 08/02/202370,248 mi+90 mi
- 01/02/202476,569 mi+6,321 mi
- 24/01/202581,226 mi+4,657 mi
- 24/01/202581,226 mi
Average of roughly 5,389 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: Below Average
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 (BK55 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BK55VHN.
BENTLEY
MULSANNE
RENAULT
TRAFIC
RENAULT
TRAFIC
RENAULT
MASTER
RENAULT
TRAFIC
RENAULT
TRAFIC
AUDI
A3
VAUXHALL
INSIGNIA
SUZUKI
SWIFT
TOYOTA
PROACE
BMW
118
FORD
TRANSIT COURIER
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.