2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.4L Petrol · LK53 TXW
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.4L, petrol). First registered 30 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 167,294 miles. MOT expired on 15 Nov 2025.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Nov 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 167,294 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.4L
- 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.
LK53 TXW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/10/2024
- 167,294 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.
LK53 TXW 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl (LK53 TXW) between November 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
LK53 TXW Mileage History
- 02/11/2022152,585 mi
- 02/11/2022152,586 mi+1 mi
- 07/11/2023159,949 mi+7,363 mi
- 23/10/2024167,292 mi+7,343 mi
- 24/10/2024167,294 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 7,439 miles per year across 5 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 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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