2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 5.0L Petrol · X5 DEX

The vehicle demonstrates a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass during the most recent test on 3 December 2025 at 82,163 miles. After a period of mechanical instability between 2021 and 2023, the car has successfully cleared several consecutive inspections without any recorded defects or advisories. This recent history suggests that previous mechanical issues have been addressed and the vehicle is currently maintaining a high standard of roadworthiness. The mileage profile indicates very light usage for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,572 miles per year. The data shows consistent, incremental growth, such as the 2,668-mile increase between the December 2024 and December 2025 tests. While low mileage often implies less wear on the drivetrain and engine, the long intervals between uses can sometimes lead to dried seals or perished rubber components. The records show no significant gaps in testing, suggesting the car has been kept in active, albeit infrequent, use. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension assembly. The MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of wear in this area, specifically involving ball joints and dust covers. The tester flagged slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint in November 2021, followed by a failure in November 2023 due to a damaged offside front upper suspension arm ball joint dust cover. Although these faults appear resolved in the 2025 record, the history suggests these components are the primary wear points for this vehicle. Tyre maintenance also warrants a close check. The November 2021 failure, which involved exposed cords and insufficient tread depth across multiple tyres, indicates a period where basic consumable upkeep was neglected. While the recent tests show no tyre-related issues, a thorough inspection of the current tread depth and sidewall integrity is necessary to ensure the current owner is maintaining consistent standards. Checking the shock absorbers for any signs of oil misting, similar to the condition noted in December 2018, would also be a prudent step.