2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 11,810 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 29% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 20 SLK years (11,810 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 29%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 69,988
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,810
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 15.6% of tests fail here (13% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.6%
- Brakes7.8%
- Lights and electrics6.7%
- Tyres5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.9%
- Seat belts and airbags1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.2%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.59%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.2%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.96%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
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.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.35%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.5%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.06%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.12%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.69%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (3.76%)
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 29% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 20 SLK years (11,810 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.2% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.59% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.2% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 69,988 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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