2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.5L Petrol · LR54 VUJ
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (3.5L, petrol). First registered 05 Nov 2004. Recorded mileage 79,159 miles. MOT valid until 13 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 79,159 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.5L
- 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.
LR54 VUJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/07/2026
- 79,159 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LR54 VUJ 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 Slk (LR54 VUJ) between July 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (8 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Rear most arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
LR54 VUJ Mileage History
- 15/07/202464,400 mi
- 03/07/202572,627 mi+8,227 mi
- 04/07/202572,630 mi+3 mi
- 03/07/202679,158 mi+6,528 mi
- 03/07/202679,159 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 7,507 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: 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 SLK 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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