2003 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · LM53 JXH
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (1.8L, petrol). First registered 22 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 91,081 miles. MOT expired on 11 Oct 2023.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 91,081 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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LM53 JXH Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 27/11/2023
- 91,081 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 18 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LM53 JXH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (LM53 JXH) between October 2022 and November 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 November 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (6 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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 Front Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached New arm fitted and nut been left loose!! (5.3.4 (a) (i”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Lower back arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Headlamp aim too low Both Sides (4.1.2 (a))”.
LM53 JXH Mileage History
- 13/10/202287,613 mi
- 27/11/202391,081 mi+3,468 mi
Average of roughly 3,091 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)
Our database tracks 3 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.
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MERCEDES-BENZ C Model Intelligence & Reliability
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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 2003 model year cars.
- Valeo radiator gearbox contaminationSerious
Radiator can leak coolant into the transmission fluid, destroying the gearbox.
- M271 timing chain stretchSerious
The 1.8 Kompressor petrol engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing rattling on cold start. In severe cases the chain can jump, destroying the engine.
- Rust on arches, sills and bootlidSerious
W203s are notorious for corrosion around the wheel arches, sills and bootlid edges. Structural corrosion on sills and subframe mounting areas is an MOT failure.
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