2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.5L Petrol · BW51 JAW
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (3.5L, petrol). First registered 18 Oct 2004. Recorded mileage 78,593 miles. MOT valid until 29 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,593 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.5L
- 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.
BW51 JAW Key Findings
- 29 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/11/2025
- 78,593 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 10 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (28 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BW51 JAW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
29 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz Slk (BW51 JAW) between April 2008 and November 2025.
The record contains 19 passes and 10 failures.
The most recent test on 18 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 10 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (28 issues), Lighting (18 issues), Tyres (14 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 49 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: “Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Front Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”.
BW51 JAW Mileage History
- 10/04/200812,950 mi
- 14/10/200813,005 mi+55 mi
- 02/11/200918,936 mi+5,931 mi
- 29/10/201023,375 mi+4,439 mi
- 08/11/201128,223 mi+4,848 mi
- 08/11/201128,223 mi
- 07/11/201230,800 mi+2,577 mi
- 07/11/201336,471 mi+5,671 mi
- 27/10/201441,806 mi+5,335 mi
- 28/10/201441,806 mi
- 12/10/201544,424 mi+2,618 mi
- 10/11/201647,541 mi+3,117 mi
- 13/11/201752,856 mi+5,315 mi
- 14/11/201752,856 mi
- 19/10/201856,748 mi+3,892 mi
- 22/10/201856,748 mi
- 17/10/201960,971 mi+4,223 mi
- 18/10/201960,971 mi
- 26/11/202066,069 mi+5,098 mi
- 23/11/202168,173 mi+2,104 mi
- 30/11/202168,223 mi+50 mi
- 24/11/202271,797 mi+3,574 mi
- 30/11/202271,809 mi+12 mi
- 30/11/202374,702 mi+2,893 mi
- 30/11/202374,702 mi
- 18/11/202477,095 mi+2,393 mi
- 22/11/202477,112 mi+17 mi
- 22/11/202477,112 mi
- 18/11/202578,593 mi+1,481 mi
Average of roughly 3,728 miles per year across 29 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: 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
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (BW51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BW51JAW.
OMODA
7 NOBLE PHEV AUTO
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER X-DYNAMIC SE D MHEV A
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER VELAR
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
HONDA
CIVIC
AUDI
TT
AUDI
TT
VOLKSWAGEN
CADDY
AUDI
Q3
AUDI
Q8
MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 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 2004 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.