2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · OV55 BHL
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 30 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 52,936 miles. MOT valid until 26 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 52,936 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.7L
- 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.
OV55 BHL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/04/2026
- 52,936 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
OV55 BHL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz Sl (OV55 BHL) between September 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
OV55 BHL Mileage History
- 27/09/202249,255 mi
- 25/09/202349,671 mi+416 mi
- 26/09/202450,255 mi+584 mi
- 28/04/202550,745 mi+490 mi
- 25/04/202652,936 mi+2,191 mi
Average of roughly 1,030 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 SLK (R171)
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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 2005 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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