2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.4L Petrol · LW53 BNJ
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.4L, petrol). First registered 16 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 66,564 miles. MOT expired on 07 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Sidcup (South East London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,564 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.4L
- 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.
LW53 BNJ Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/10/2025
- 66,564 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LW53 BNJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl (LW53 BNJ) between September 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 8 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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.
LW53 BNJ Mileage History
- 21/09/202261,900 mi
- 02/10/202363,290 mi+1,390 mi
- 30/09/202465,836 mi+2,546 mi
- 09/10/202566,564 mi+728 mi
Average of roughly 1,529 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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 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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