2005 Mercedes SLK 3.5L Petrol · MP55 AOO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs regarding front suspension components. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 132,042 miles passed without defects, it followed a significant failure just three days prior. That failure identified multiple issues across the entire front suspension, including worn arm bushes and ball joints, alongside worn tyres and a failed bulb. This suggests the previous owner only addresses mechanical faults once they reach an MOT failure threshold, rather than performing preventative maintenance on wear items. At 21 years old, the recorded 132,042 miles represent an average of approximately 6,300 miles per year, which aligns with typical low usage for a premium roadster. The data shows consistent annual testing, with roughly 4,500 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and approximately 3,300 miles between 2023 and 2024. This steady mileage indicates the car is not used excessively, though the age of the rubber components remains a concern despite the low odometer reading. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the record shows recurring issues with arm bushes and ball joints across the 2024 and 2025 cycles. The fractured offside front coil spring noted in 2023 further indicates that suspension components are reaching the end of their. You should also verify the exhaust mountings, which were flagged as defective in 2024, and check the current condition of the tyres, as the history shows a trend of running them to the 2mm legal limit before replacement.