2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK · 21,818 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 21.9% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 20 SLK years (21,818 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- 21.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLKs: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 57,629
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 21,818
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.4% of tests fail here (12% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 63% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.5%
- Tyres6.4%
- Brakes4.6%
- Lights and electrics4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.01%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.01%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.65%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.57%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.46%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.34%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.08%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.63%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.47%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.76%) · Wheel bearing slight play (2.86%)
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLKs fail 21.9% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 20 SLK years (21,818 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.01% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.01% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.65% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK shows 57,629 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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