2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  7.9% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 1.2% of all 2002 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 leaks2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  3.5% All 2002 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 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
  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
  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.

• Suspension
  25% 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
  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
  10% 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 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?