2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · LS04 XWX
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 22 Apr 2004. MOT valid until 05 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
LS04 XWX Key Findings
- No MOT test records found for this registration
- MOT valid until 05/07/2027
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle due to excessively high mileage, a recent MOT failure with no recorded defects, and lack of reliability data for the SL model.
This vehicle requires extreme caution. Verify if the 2021 MOT failure was resolved and request full service records from 2004 to present. Inspect for signs of engine wear, transmission issues, and suspension component deterioration. Negotiate heavily due to high mileage and uncertain mechanical condition. Be wary of potential hidden costs from aging luxury components.
Fuel economy is likely poor due to the 3.7L petrol engine and 22-year-old technology. Tax would be £330 annually (2026 rates for petrol engines over 150g/km CO2). Insurance groups for classic Mercedes models typically range £1,200-£1,800 annually. Maintenance costs could exceed £1,000/year for specialist parts and labor, with major repairs (e.g., cooling systems, electrical units) possible.
Focus on engine oil leaks, transmission fluid condition, and suspension bushings. Check for rust in the underbody and corrosion in electrical connectors. Test all luxury features (air conditioning, power seats) for functionality. Inspect the 3.7L engine for timing chain tensioner issues common in older Mercedes models. Verify that the 2021 MOT failure was fully addressed with repair documentation.
This 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has 127,720 miles for its age, far exceeding typical usage for a 22-year-old vehicle. While the MOT failure in 2021 showed no defects, the high mileage raises concerns about mechanical integrity. No aggregate reliability data exists for the SL model, limiting risk assessment.
No aggregate MOT data available for the Mercedes-Benz SL model to assess general reliability trends.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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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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