2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.1L Diesel · W14 WAJ
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (2.1L, diesel). First registered 31 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 113,120 miles. MOT valid until 16 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 113,120 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.1L
- 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.
W14 WAJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/01/2026
- 113,120 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
W14 WAJ 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz Slk (W14 WAJ) between April 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 January 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: Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
W14 WAJ Mileage History
- 21/04/202392,436 mi
- 17/01/202493,324 mi+888 mi
- 16/01/202596,100 mi+2,776 mi
- 12/01/2026113,107 mi+17,007 mi
- 16/01/2026113,120 mi+13 mi
Average of roughly 7,547 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 / SLC (R172)
Our database tracks 3 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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A cautious purchase due to significantly higher than average mileage for its age. While the recent MOT history is clean, the vehicle's usage pattern necessitates a thorough inspection of wear-related components.
When viewing this SLK, your primary focus should be the mileage. At over 113,000 miles, you must verify that the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to the schedule, as these are critical- items. Check for a comprehensive service history booklet to ensure the diesel engine has been properly maintained at high intervals.
Given that the January 2026 MOT failed just four days before a passing test, ask the owner exactly what was repaired. Even though no defects were recorded on the passing certificate, a failure implies a component was out of tolerance. Ensure the retractable hardtop mechanism operates smoothly without hesitation or hydraulic leaks before committing funds.
The 2143cc diesel engine offers better motorway fuel economy compared to the petrol counterparts, making it more economical for high-mileage drivers. Expect a moderate tax band and insurance group typical of premium German convertsters, though premiums will vary based on your profile.
Maintenance costs will likely be higher due to the high mileage, as suspension components and braking systems reach their lifespan. Estimated annual costs, including fuel, tax, and routine servicing, are projected in the range of £1,200-£1,600.
Inspect the suspension arms and bushes thoroughly, as aggregate data for this model identifies these as a common MOT failure point. Look for any play in the steering or uneven tyre wear during a test drive, which could indicate worn suspension geometry.
Examine the brake system specifically. Brake pads and excessively worn brakes are frequent reasons for failures across the SLK fleet. Given this vehicle's mileage, check the thickness of the discs and the condition of the calipers to ensure they are not requiring immediate investment.
This 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK features a 2.2L diesel engine and has covered 113,120 miles. This mileage is substantially above the national average of approximately 3,257 miles per year for this model. Although the last four MOT tests passed without recorded defects, a recent failure in January 2026 at 113,107 miles indicates a need for vigilant maintenance.
The SLK shows an 81.1% average MOT pass rate, with suspension and brakes being the most frequent concerns.
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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MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 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 2012 model year cars.
- Takata driver airbag recall (R/2021/277 and R/2021/279)Serious
DVSA campaigns R/2021/277 and R/2021/279 cover SLK cars for the driver's airbag propellant undergoing a chemical change over time under certain climatic conditions, with the airbag replaced as the remedy. The larger campaign alone records 108,486 UK vehicles affected, which shows how many of these cars are still on the road with an old inflator. BBC coverage of the wider Takata recall in October 2025 confirms the programme is still running in the UK, with owners advised to check status on the DVSA service, because an exploding inflator throws metal fragments into the cabin.
- AdBlue, NOx sensors and emissions software recallsModerate
Two DVSA campaigns apply to these cars: R/2020/011, covering 5,255 vehicles, for engine emission output requiring improvement, with the engine control unit reflowed and the NOx sensor replaced where needed, and R/2020/243, covering a further 994 cars for the same work. Mercedes specialists describe the everyday consequence of this hardware: an AdBlue warning, a countdown stating the engine will not restart after a set distance, and eventually a car that will not re-start at all once the limit is reached, usually caused by a failed dosing pump, tank heater or NOx sensor rather than an empty tank.
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