2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 6,168 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 33.4% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 SLK years (6,168 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 33.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 81,441
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,168
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics18.9%
- Brakes8.9%
- Suspension8.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%
- Tyres5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 5.84%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.73%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.32%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.74%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.4%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.35%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.5%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.34%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.43%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.7%) · Wheel bearing slight play (7.3%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.11%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz SLK year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz SLK, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 33.4% of first MOT tests, 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 SLK years (6,168 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (5.84% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.73% of tests), position lamp not working (3.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 81,441 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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