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BT53 OTW

2003 Mercedes-benz C

Silver Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires24 Nov 2026
Tests30 (18 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate60%

Mileage

129,319 mi
Last recorded129,319 miles
Recorded on25 Nov 2025
Typical for 2003 Mercedes-benz C81,364 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationBT53 OTW
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelC
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 12 fail
Pass 25 Nov 2025 129,319 miles

Nearside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 14 Aug 2025 129,156 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side Cable corroded or seized (1.4.1 (a))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged Glass cracked

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Inner surface corroded and worn (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 28 Jun 2024 124,866 miles

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 18 Jun 2024 124,732 miles

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 21 Apr 2023 120,614 miles

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Fail 13 Apr 2023 120,573 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm fractured trailing arm (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 20 Apr 2022 116,323 miles

Nearside Mirror glass damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Fail 7 Apr 2022 116,165 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Mirror glass damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 9 Feb 2021 111,406 miles

Nearside Front Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front TYRE ON LEGAL LIMIT

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

light corrosion under body

undertrays fitted

Fail 29 Jan 2021 111,354 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

light corrosion under body

undertrays fitted

Pass 21 Nov 2019 107,074 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Silencer cracked (6.1.2 (a))

Central Exhaust mounting defective Joint flange corroded/weakened (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 13 Nov 2019 107,004 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Silencer cracked (6.1.2 (a))

Central Exhaust mounting defective Joint flange corroded/weakened (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 24 Oct 2019 106,987 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour amber excessively faded (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Silencer cracked (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (l))

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 22 Jun 2017 96,189 miles
Pass 27 May 2016 89,068 miles

engine and underbody trays obscuring underside components.

oil leak

Fail 20 May 2016 89,024 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded to flexable hose (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded to flexable hose (3.6.B.2c)

engine and underbody trays obscuring underside components.

oil leak

Pass 20 May 2015 81,781 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly damaged (2.2.D.2b)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 20 May 2015 81,781 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly damaged (2.2.D.2b)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 18 Feb 2014 73,513 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 17 Feb 2014 73,513 miles

Nearside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 28 Feb 2013 67,982 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Offside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 27 Feb 2013 67,982 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Offside Rear coil spring cracked (2.4.C.1a)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Offside Front Lower Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 1 Mar 2012 63,616 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Oil leak

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 25 Feb 2011 57,185 miles

Suspension joint nearside lower dust cover split/missing

Fail 24 Feb 2011 57,185 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Suspension joint nearside lower dust cover split/missing

offside front + both rear tyres are starting to perish and crack

Pass 17 Feb 2010 51,036 miles

both rear tyres starting to crack

Pass 18 Mar 2009 50,256 miles
Pass 26 Mar 2008 49,166 miles
Pass 4 Apr 2007 47,183 miles
Pass 4 Apr 2006 43,101 miles

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz C?

Based on 8,031,355 MOT tests across 683,668 vehicles.

77.6%
Pass Rate
6,412
Miles/Year
32
Year Lifespan
683,668
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 240,078
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 76,831
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 67,503
Brake pipe excessively corroded 66,298
coil spring broken 61,560
Full Mercedes-benz C reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

BT53 OTW is a 2003 Mercedes-benz C in Silver with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60%.

Across all 2003 Mercedes-benz C models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.5% with a typical mileage of 81,364 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz C fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 240,078 recorded failures. If you're considering buying BT53 OTW, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz C typically stays on UK roads for around 32 years. At 23 years old, this Mercedes-benz C is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of BT53 OTW?

You can check the full history of BT53 OTW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BT53 OTW registered?

BT53 OTW is a 2003 Mercedes-benz C, first registered on 5 December 2003.

Is BT53 OTW safe to buy?

The MOT history for BT53 OTW shows 30 tests with a 60% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BT53 OTW have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on BT53 OTW. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.