2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.4L Petrol · LK04 RAU
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 2004. Recorded mileage 59,736 miles. MOT expired on 09 May 2025.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 May 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 59,736 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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LK04 RAU Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/05/2024
- 59,736 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LK04 RAU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl (LK04 RAU) between November 2021 and May 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 10 May 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
LK04 RAU Mileage History
- 12/11/202159,714 mi
- 04/08/202259,717 mi+3 mi
- 10/05/202459,736 mi+19 mi
Average of roughly 9 miles per year across 3 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: Poor
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 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 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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