2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 2.0L Petrol · WIA 2265
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (2.0L, petrol). First registered 20 Aug 2004. Recorded mileage 98,769 miles. MOT valid until 29 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SLK
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,769 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- 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.
WIA 2265 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/10/2026
- 98,769 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WIA 2265 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 Slk (WIA 2265) between April 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (9 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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: “Sub-frame has an unsafe modification Welded (5.3.3 (c) (i))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Rear Arm + Gaitor Split (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
WIA 2265 Mileage History
- 02/04/202485,973 mi
- 05/04/202485,973 mi
- 21/05/202591,232 mi+5,259 mi
- 01/10/202698,769 mi+7,537 mi
- 01/10/202698,769 mi
Average of roughly 5,124 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
Prioritise a professional inspection of the chassis and sub-frame. The 2024 MOT failure specifically noted an unsafe welded modification to the sub-frame, which is a critical structural concern that must be verified for safety and legality. Do not assume the 2025 clean pass covers all previous structural or mechanical concerns.
Negotiate based on the documented history of suspension and brake issues. Ask for evidence of any work carried out to rectify the 'unsafe modification' noted in 2024. You should also request a detailed service history to see if the recurring issues with wheel bearings, suspension arms, and brake binding have been addressed systematically rather than just patched for MOT compliance.
As a 2.0L petrol roadster, running costs will be higher than a standard hatchback. You should expect moderate fuel consumption typical of a 2004-era 2.0L engine. Insurance groups for this model vary depending on the driver profile, but it is generally positioned in a mid-range bracket.
Maintenance costs may be elevated due to the model's tendency toward suspension and brake component wear, as evidenced by the MOT records. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, are likely to fall in the mid-range for a vehicle of this age and type.
Focus heavily on the underside of the vehicle. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of corrosion, specifically noted in 2023 and 2024 on rear suspension components. Inspect the sub-frame specifically to understand the nature of the 'unsafe welded modification' recorded in April 2024.
Check the suspension and steering components closely. Previous failures include worn front suspension arm pins/bushes, ball joints, and wheel bearings. Additionally, inspect the braking system; the 2024 record noted a binding offside rear service brake, and the 2022 record showed pitted brake discs and thin pads. Finally, ensure the convertible roof mechanism and seals are inspected, as these are common areas of interest for this model, though not explicitly detailed in these MOT records.
This 2004 silver Mercedes-Benz SLK has covered 91,232 miles since its first registration in August 2004. The MOT history shows a pattern of suspension, braking, and corrosion issues, including a significant failure in April 2024 involving a welded sub-frame modification. Although the 2025 MOT passed without defects, the vehicle's history suggests a need for vigilant maintenance.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.2% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being tyres, suspension arms, and service brakes.
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 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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