2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · RE53 FRN
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (3.7L, petrol). First registered 23 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 157,504 miles. MOT valid until 06 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 157,504 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.
RE53 FRN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/05/2026
- 157,504 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RE53 FRN 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz Sl (RE53 FRN) between January 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (12 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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 Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
RE53 FRN Mileage History
- 26/01/2023154,319 mi
- 07/05/2024156,556 mi+2,237 mi
- 01/05/2025157,383 mi+827 mi
- 01/05/2025157,384 mi+1 mi
- 08/05/2026157,504 mi+120 mi
Average of roughly 971 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 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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