2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.0L Petrol · EP53 BAR
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (2.0L, petrol). First registered 10 Feb 2004. Recorded mileage 139,970 miles. MOT expired on 08 Jan 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Jan 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Jan 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,970 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- 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.
EP53 BAR Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/01/2025
- 139,970 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 13 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EP53 BAR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz Slk (EP53 BAR) between October 2022 and January 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 January 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (12 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 25 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: “Offside Headlamp aim unable to be tested Excessively consensated (4.1.2 (b))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim unable to be tested Excessively condensated (4.1.2 (b))”; “Offside Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))”.
EP53 BAR Mileage History
- 12/10/2022137,548 mi
- 12/10/2022137,548 mi
- 18/12/2023139,928 mi+2,380 mi
- 09/01/2025139,970 mi+42 mi
Average of roughly 1,079 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
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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.
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