2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 13,761 MOT tests
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 31.1% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 20 SLK years (13,761 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 31.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 75,705
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 13,761
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- 2007 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.1% of tests fail here (49% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.5%
- Brakes7.6%
- Lights and electrics6.8%
- Tyres5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.92%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.66%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened 3.17%
A seriously weakened sub-frame can fail and affect steering and suspension, so it needs urgent repair.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.44%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.15%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.82%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.16%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.64%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.71%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.08%) · Wheel bearing slight play (3.65%)
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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 31.1% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 20 SLK years (13,761 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.92% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.66% of tests), sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (3.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 75,705 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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