2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.5L Petrol · LC59 BZE
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.5L, petrol). First registered 14 Nov 2009. MOT valid until 23 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.5L
- 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.
LC59 BZE Key Findings
- No MOT test records found for this registration
- MOT valid until 23/04/2027
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: 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.
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
MERCEDES-BENZ SL 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 2009 model year cars.
- 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.
- 7G-Tronic Automatic Transmission Conductor Plate FailureModerate
The 722.9 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox fitted to six-cylinder R171 SLKs features an electro-hydraulic conductor plate (VGS unit) submerged in hot automatic transmission fluid. Over time, thermal cycling and metallic sediment cause the integrated turbine and output speed sensors (Y3/8n1 and Y3/8n2) to fail, triggering diagnostic codes P0717, P0718, or P0705. When the signal drops, the transmission defaults into emergency limp-home mode, locking the gearbox into 2nd gear or reverse until restarted. Independent specialists can rebuild the plate, saving the cost of a brand new SCN-coded valve body.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.