2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 11,510 MOT tests
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 33.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 20 SLK years (11,510 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 33.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 81,009
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,510
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 4.5% of tests fail here (32% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.3%
- Lights and electrics11.7%
- Brakes8.4%
- Tyres5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.7%
- Steering4.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.52%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.04%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.81%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.41%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.8%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.79%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.89%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.65%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.76%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.63%) · Wheel bearing slight play (4.54%)
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 33.9% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 20 SLK years (11,510 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.52% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.04% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 81,009 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Check a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.