2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 18,016 MOT tests
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 31.3% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 20 SLK years (18,016 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 31.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 78,628
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,016
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 16.5% of tests fail here (12% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.5%
- Lights and electrics9.3%
- Brakes7.5%
- Tyres4.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.9%
- Body, chassis and structure2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.33%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.31%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened 3.04%
A seriously weakened sub-frame can fail and affect steering and suspension, so it needs urgent repair.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.53%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.69%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.52%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.1%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.76%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.75%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.39%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.2%) · Exhaust mounting defective (3.77%)
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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 31.3% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 20 SLK years (18,016 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.33% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.31% of tests), sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (3.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 78,628 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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