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Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · LS04 XWX

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
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 05 Jul 2027
Tax Status
Check Tax
Click to check rates
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2004
Engine
3724cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle currently lacks a valid MOT certificate, as the most recent recorded test on 16 March 2021 resulted in a failure. With no subsequent test data provided, the roadworthiness status is indeterminate and legally non-compliant for public road use. The absence of a pass certificate following a failure indicates a significant gap in documented maintenance, suggesting the vehicle has either remained off the road or has been operated without meeting current regulatory standards. The recorded mileage of 127,720 miles over a 22-year lifespan averages approximately 5,800 miles per annum, which is relatively low for a vehicle of this classification. However, the lack of MOT data since early 2021 implies a period of prolonged inactivity. Extended storage for an R230 series Mercedes-Benz often leads to specific mechanical complications, particularly regarding hydraulic suspension systems, electronic control modules, and the degradation of rubber seals and hoses. Prospective buyers must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity, specifically checking for corrosion in the subframes and floor pans, which are common failure points for this model. The hydraulic roof mechanism and the ABC suspension system require rigorous testing, as these components are prone to failure after long periods of disuse. Given the failure status from 2021, a comprehensive diagnostic scan of the electronic systems is essential to identify hidden faults that may have rendered the vehicle unroadworthy. Any purchase should be approached with the assumption that significant investment will be required to bring the mechanical and safety systems back to a compliant state.
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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.

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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

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

Estimate current market value

Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.

Reliability & Known Issues

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 Analysis
65
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

Valid MOT
Tax Status Unknown
No MOT history found
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
35/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,500-£2,000
Mileage
Mileage is significantly above average f...

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

MERCEDES-BENZ SL Model Intelligence & Reliability

Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.

All SL problems

Regional DVLA Registration Directory

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LS04 series plates

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