2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.0L Petrol · C2 THS

The vehicle remains roadworthy but exhibits a worsening trend in mechanical degradation across the suspension and braking systems. While it passed its most recent test in June 2025 at 247,184 miles, the tester flagged a significant increase in advisories compared to previous years. The parking brake efficiency now only barely meets the legal threshold, indicating imminent need for adjustment or component replacement. The appearance of play in both front wheel bearings and ball joints suggests that the front steering and suspension assembly are reaching the end of their service life. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 247,184 miles represents a high usage profile of approximately 14,500 miles per annum. The data shows a period of intensive use between December 2020 and June 2021, where the vehicle covered over 9,000 miles in just six months. This consistent high mileage explains the accelerated wear on consumables and rubber components. The three-year gap between the 2021 and 2024 tests suggests a period of lower usage, though the recent annual testing indicates a return to regular road use. A physical inspection must prioritize the front suspension geometry, as the ball joints and wheel bearings have appeared consistently across the last three tests. The recurring uneven wear on the rear tyres in both 2024 and 2025 indicates a persistent alignment issue or worn rear bushes. The buyer should also inspect the braking system for seized calipers or thinning discs, given the parking brake is now operating at the limit of failure. Given the historical 2020 failure for an exhaust leak and engine management light, a diagnostic check of the sensors and exhaust manifold is necessary to ensure those previous faults were properly rectified rather than merely masked.