2005 Mercedes SLK 3.5L Petrol · ED02 SAF
2005 Mercedes SLK (3.5L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2005. Recorded mileage 114,536 miles. MOT expired on 10 Apr 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 10 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Jan 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 114,536 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.
ED02 SAF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/04/2025
- 114,536 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ED02 SAF 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 Slk (ED02 SAF) between March 2022 and April 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 April 2025 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: Suspension (11 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Tyres (10 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 50 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 Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
ED02 SAF Mileage History
- 22/03/2022108,221 mi
- 27/03/2023112,073 mi+3,852 mi
- 30/03/2023112,088 mi+15 mi
- 12/04/2024113,091 mi+1,003 mi
- 09/04/2025114,536 mi+1,445 mi
Average of roughly 2,071 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: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. The persis
The primary concern with this vehicle is the systemic corrosion. The MOT records from 2022 to 2025 consistently highlight corroded brake pipes and fuel pipes, as well as corrosion on the rear sub-frame and suspension arms. A comprehensive professional underside inspection is mandatory to assess whether these components have been replaced or if they are nearing a point of failure.
Buyers should also investigate the source of the oil leak mentioned in five consecutive MOT entries. Negotiate the purchase price heavily to account for the inevitable cost of rust remediation and the potential for expensive engine seals or gasket replacements. Ensure any claims of 'recent work' are backed by invoices, specifically regarding the anti-roll bar linkages and brake system.
Owning a 3.5L petrol SLK involves significant running costs. The large displacement engine will result in high fuel consumption and place the vehicle in a higher road tax bracket. Insurance costs will also be influenced by the engine size and the vehicle's convertible nature.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for this age of vehicle due to the documented corrosion issues. Regular spending will be required to manage the underbody rust and the persistent oil leak to prevent them from becoming MOT failures. Estimated annual costs include high fuel spend and specialised Mercedes-Benz parts.
Focus your inspection on the chassis and underbody. Specifically, check the rear brake pipes and fuel pipes, which have been flagged as corroded in every test since 2022. Examine the front wings and the rear sub-frame for rust, as these were specific points of failure or advisory in 2023 and 2024.
Check the engine bay for signs of the 'not excessive' oil leak and inspect the tyre sidewalls and tread, as worn or perishing tyres have been a recurring theme in the MOT history. Finally, verify the operation of the headlamps, as the reflectors were noted as defective in the most recent 2025 test.
This 2005 black Mercedes SLK with a 3.5L petrol engine has recorded 114,536 miles. The MOT history is characterised by a recurring and extensive list of corrosion advisories affecting the sub-frame, fuel pipes, brake pipes, and body structure. Additionally, an oil leak has been noted in every test since 2022, suggesting a long-term mechanical issue.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Mercedes SLK to provide a model-wide benchmark.
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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