2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Wheel bearings1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  9.8% All 2000 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 1.1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  7.7% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Transmission oil leaks2.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  5.3% All 2000 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Corroded fuel pipes2.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  2.5% All 2000 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?