1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.3L Petrol · J3 URN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend reveals a persistent failure to address safety-critical electronics. In the most recent test on 27 February 2026 at 70,711 miles, the car passed despite failing earlier that same day for multiple defects. The recurring failure of the supplementary restraint system warning lamp to illuminate, which has appeared in every test back to at least November 2023, a deep-seated issue with the airbag system or a faulty bulb that the owner has neglected to rectify despite multiple formal MOT failures. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 28-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,525 miles per year. Between November 2023 and February 2026, the car covered only 187 miles, indicating it is used very infrequently or kept in storage. This pattern of use often implies that the vehicle sits for long periods. While low mileage reduces mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, such patterns frequently lead to the degradation of rubber components, perished seals, and fluid chemistry which are not captured by the MOT tester. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the lighting and safety systems. The February 2026 failure noted incompatible headlamp sources and an inoperative levelling device, suggesting that non-standard parts or faulty actuators are currently present. More critically, the persistent SRS warning lamp failure is a significant concern that requires a professional diagnostic scan to ensure the airbags will actually deploy in an accident. Given the low usage, the inspector should also check for brake corrosion on the discs and seized calipers, as these components often suffer on vehicles that remain stationary for long durations.