2003 Mercedes SLK 3.2L Petrol · RN52 FXW

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a trend of developing mechanical wear and persistent corrosion issues. While the most recent test in May 2026 at 92,867 miles passed, the tester identified slight play in both front wheel bearings. This represents a minor mechanical progression from the March 2025 failure where the central lower prop shaft bearing was found excessively worn, suggesting that drivetrain and suspension components are now reaching their service life despite the low mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between April 2024 (90,880 miles) and March 2025 (92,427 miles), where only 1,547 miles were covered in a year. This pattern of infrequent use likely explains the April 2024 advisory where all four tyres were found to have perished, as rubber compounds degrade over time due to age and lack of movement rather than simple tread wear. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity regarding the sub-frames. Both the front and rear sub-frames were flagged as corroded in March 2025, and while not deemed seriously weakened at that time, corrosion on these components requires constant monitoring to prevent future structural failure. The offside rear fuel pump hanger and the deteriorated brake hoses also require close scrutiny for signs of further degradation or fluid leaks. Given the recent play found in the front wheel bearings, the buyer should budget for imminent replacement costs to ensure stable handling.