2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.0L Petrol · ST03 AFN
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (5.0L, petrol). First registered 25 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 79,113 miles. MOT valid until 25 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 79,113 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.0L
- 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.
ST03 AFN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/08/2026
- 79,113 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ST03 AFN 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 Sl (ST03 AFN) between August 2022 and August 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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.
ST03 AFN Mileage History
- 10/08/202273,366 mi
- 02/08/202373,429 mi+63 mi
- 29/07/202473,865 mi+436 mi
- 23/07/202574,354 mi+489 mi
- 27/08/202679,113 mi+4,759 mi
Average of roughly 1,420 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to the age of t
When inspecting this vehicle, focus heavily on the suspension and steering components. The August 2026 MOT noted that the nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joint dust covers are severely deteriorated. These will likely require replacement in the near future to prevent accelerated wear to the joints themselves.
Additionally, review any provided service history for evidence of hydraulic suspension (ABC) maintenance, as this is a known complex feature of this era of SL. Ensure that all electrical functions, particularly the folding roof mechanism, operate smoothly without hesitation, as these systems are costly to repair if they fail.
As a 5.0-litre petrol vehicle, this SL falls into the highest VED tax bracket and will be exceptionally thirsty, likely returning low double-digit fuel economy in urban driving. Insurance premiums may be higher than average due to the vehicle's age, performance profile, and the cost of replacement parts.
Maintenance costs for this model are significant. Given the age of the vehicle, you should expect to spend significantly on preventative maintenance beyond standard servicing. Annual running costs, excluding major repairs, are estimated at £2,500 - £3,500 depending on your annual mileage and insurance profile.
Prioritise a thorough check of the front suspension, specifically the lower arms and ball joints identified in the 2026 MOT. Inspect the condition of the rubber gaiters and listen for any knocking sounds during a test drive, which could indicate that the ball joints have already developed play.
Check the wheel bearings, which were flagged as having slight play in 2025. Verify that there is no uneven tyre wear, which could suggest alignment issues or worn bushings. Finally, inspect the underside of the car for any signs of corrosion, particularly around the subframes and suspension mounting points, which is common for a vehicle of this age.
This 2003 Mercedes SL, finished in silver, has covered 79,113 miles over its 23-year lifespan. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of passes, with recent records highlighting wear-related items such as wheel bearings and suspension components. It represents a classic luxury proposition, but prospective buyers must budget for the maintenance of a high-performance 5.0-litre engine.
There is no aggregate reliability data available for this specific Mercedes SL model, so buyers should rely on a thorough independent inspection of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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