2003 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · MT53 FHK
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (1.8L, petrol). First registered 05 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 148,958 miles. MOT valid until 06 Nov 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 Nov 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 148,958 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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.
MT53 FHK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/11/2026
- 148,958 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 22 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (52 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MT53 FHK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (MT53 FHK) between November 2024 and November 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 November 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 (52 issues), Suspension (14 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (10 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Windscreen (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 95 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 Registration plate inscription illegible Delamination of the number plate can prevent identification of the vehicl”; “Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”; “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn d bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
MT53 FHK Mileage History
- 02/11/2024145,175 mi
- 16/10/2025146,734 mi+1,559 mi
- 17/10/2025146,734 mi
- 02/11/2026148,958 mi+2,224 mi
- 02/11/2026148,958 mi
Average of roughly 1,892 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 C-Class (W203)
Our database tracks 3 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 C 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 2003 model year cars.
- Valeo radiator gearbox contaminationSerious
Radiator can leak coolant into the transmission fluid, destroying the gearbox.
- M271 timing chain stretchSerious
The 1.8 Kompressor petrol engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing rattling on cold start. In severe cases the chain can jump, destroying the engine.
- Rust on arches, sills and bootlidSerious
W203s are notorious for corrosion around the wheel arches, sills and bootlid edges. Structural corrosion on sills and subframe mounting areas is an MOT failure.
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