2004 Mercedes SL 3.7L Petrol · CF54 UBU
2004 Mercedes SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 90,717 miles. MOT valid until 11 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 90,717 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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CF54 UBU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/04/2026
- 90,717 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CF54 UBU 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 2004 Mercedes Sl (CF54 UBU) between March 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 5 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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.
CF54 UBU Mileage History
- 08/03/202288,112 mi
- 08/03/202388,547 mi+435 mi
- 19/03/202488,686 mi+139 mi
- 18/03/202589,237 mi+551 mi
- 13/04/202690,717 mi+1,480 mi
Average of roughly 636 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution but consider this a
When inspecting this specific 3.7L petrol SL, prioritize a thorough check of the suspension system. The MOT history explicitly notes slight play in the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint in both 2025 and 2026; you should verify if this has been rectified or if it remains a pending repair.
Given the age of the vehicle, check the condition of all rubber bushings and seals, as well as the operation of the convertible roof mechanism. While the MOT records do not provide details on service history, you should ask for evidence of oil changes and transmission fluid services, which are critical for a large-capacity engine like this 3724cc unit. Ensure the registration plates are replaced, as the recent MOTs have flagged them as deteriorated.
Running this large-capacity 3.7L petrol engine will be expensive. Expect high fuel consumption typical of a heavy, high-performance grand tourer, and insurance groups for this model are generally high.
Maintenance costs for a Mercedes of this era can be significant, particularly regarding specialized components like the hydraulic roof system or suspension parts. An estimated annual running cost, factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, would likely fall between £2,500 and £3,500 depending on annual mileage.
Specifically inspect the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, as the MOT history indicates 'slight play' has been a recurring advisory since at least March 2025. Any movement or knocking sounds from the front end during a test drive should be treated as a red flag.
Additionally, check the condition of the front and rear registration plates, as both were noted as 'deteriorated' in the April 2026 test. While the 2024 MOT noted a small stone chip in the windscreen, ensure no new cracks have developed that could lead to a failure in future tests.
This 2004 Mercedes SL, finished in blue, has covered 90,717 miles since its first registration in December 2004. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of passing, with no major failures recorded in the last five years. However, the most recent tests in 2025 and 2026 have highlighted wear in the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint and deteriorating registration plates.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Mercedes SL model to provide a statistical comparison.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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