2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  14.1% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Wheel bearings2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  3.7% All 2011 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.7% of all 2011 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.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLK

  4.2% All 2011 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• 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
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  4% 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.

Known faults on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Roof motors and pump

  All engines

  The roof motors can seize if the roof stays up for long periods, and a slow roof usually means a failing pump. Both are costly.

  At the viewing: Open and close the roof several times and time it.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes-Benz SLK (2004-2011) reliability

• Leaking boot seals

  All engines

  Boot seals fail often, letting water collect in the spare wheel well.

  At the viewing: Lift the boot floor and look for water or damp.

  Source: What Car?: used Mercedes-Benz SLK (2004-2011) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

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

1. Has the roof had any work?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?