2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT pass rate and common faults

1,975 MOT tests in 2024. 69.4% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time69.4%
Failed or needed repairs30.6%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,975 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working6.3%
  2. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.5%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  5. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.9%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.7%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics24.7%
  2. Brakes12.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks8.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  5. Suspension6.1%
  6. Tyres4.9%
  7. Body & chassis3.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.1%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: stop lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

In 2024, 69.4% of 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,975 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).