2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC 180 1.6L Petrol · LP68 ABK

A pattern of tyre-related issues and a fractured rear coil spring dominate the mechanical history of this 2018 Mercedes-Benz SLC 180, with the most recent test on 6 January 2026 recording a pass only after a failure four days earlier. That earlier test documented both rear tyres as Dangerous, with tread patterns no longer visible over the contact area when the legal minimum is 1.0mm. This is not an isolated incident; the December 2024 test saw an offside rear tyre fail outright due to a deep cut exposing the ply or cords, while the nearside rear and offside rear tyres were simultaneously flagged as advisory items worn down to 2.4mm and 2.0mm respectively. Combined with the December 2024 advisory for a sticking nearside front seatbelt buckle, the record points to a vehicle whose consumable rubber components and cabin fittings have demanded attention more frequently than the underlying structural and mechanical systems. Annual mileage of roughly 5,717 miles over an eight-year lifespan is notably low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either extended periods of standing or predominantly short, light-use journeys. While this rate of accumulation reduces wear on high-mileage items such as the clutch, drivetrain and major internal engine components, it conversely increases the likelihood of moisture accumulation in the engine oil, flat-spotting of tyres during storage, and premature ageing of rubber components including suspension bushes and drive belts. The MOT testing cadence itself is largely annual and consistent from 2023 through 2026, with no multi-year gaps that would indicate long-term off-road status, and the recorded odometer readings do not show any sudden jumps between tests. The fractured coil spring recorded in 2024 is worth noting in this context, as coil springs on lightly-used vehicles are not immune to fatigue failure and can fracture due to corrosion rather than mileage alone, particularly in coastal or winter-salted environments. For a prospective buyer, the suspension components flagged in the record warrant specific attention on inspection. The 2025 advisory noted an offside front suspension rod pin or bush showing wear without excessive movement, and a fractured offside rear coil spring was recorded in 2024. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate that the worn bush has progressed beyond its advisory state. Pay particular attention to the rear suspension for any sagging at the offside corner, a harsh impact when travelling over single bumps that suggests the replacement spring has been incorrectly rated, or uneven ride height between the two rear wheels. A bouncing test by pressing down firmly on each corner should produce a single controlled rebound; excessive oscillation points to worn dampers that may not yet have been flagged but are common on low-mileage vehicles where original gas-pressurised units can lose efficacy through seal ageing rather than wear. The tyre failures and advisories across two consecutive test cycles demand careful scrutiny of the current rubber fitted to the car. Confirm the age of all four tyres by inspecting the DOT date code on each sidewall, as a low-mileage vehicle can still be running on aged rubber if replacements have not been regular, and aged compound hardens and loses grip regardless of tread depth. Check that the wheels are correctly aligned, as uneven inner-edge wear on the rear tyres was specifically recorded in 2024 and would return if a geometry issue has not been resolved. Finally, verify that the seatbelt buckle fault noted in 2024 has been properly rectified by testing both the smooth latching and release action of the nearside belt several times, ensuring it does not stick or require excessive force to engage, as this is a straightforward but safety-critical function that is occasionally left unresolved after advisory recording.