2003 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · SM03 MSM
2003 Mercedes-Benz C (1.8L, petrol). First registered 07 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 104,382 miles. MOT expired on 29 Oct 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ C
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,382 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
SM03 MSM Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 28/10/2023
- 104,382 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM03 MSM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Mercedes-Benz C (SM03 MSM) between October 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 28 October 2023 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: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). 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: “Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure 195/65/15 (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
SM03 MSM Mileage History
- 30/10/2022102,725 mi
- 28/10/2023104,382 mi+1,657 mi
- 28/10/2023104,382 mi
Average of roughly 1,668 miles per year across 3 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: Poor
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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