2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  8.6% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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.

• Transmission oil leaks2.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  5.5% All 2001 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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.

• Individual direction indicators1.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  6.4% All 2001 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Electronic stability control7.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  2.2% All 2001 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

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

• Corroded fuel pipes2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  2.2% All 2001 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Suspension
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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 2001 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 2× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?