2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT pass rate and common faults

1,626 MOT tests in 2024. 66.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

115Well above average
Passed first time66.0%
Failed or needed repairs34.0%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,626 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Stop lamp: not working7.4%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.7%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.7%
  4. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.6%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.6%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    64 marked dangerous
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.1%
  2. Brakes14.2%
  3. Suspension9.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks6.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  6. Tyres5.4%
  7. Body & chassis3.8%
  8. Steering1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.8%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.2%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.8%

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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

In 2024, 66.0% of 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,626 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The most common failure reasons were stop lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 115, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).