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BV53 VMW

2003 Mercedes-benz C

Silver Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 Dec 2026
Tests30 (20 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate66.7%

Mileage

169,668 mi
Last recorded169,668 miles
Recorded on2 Dec 2025
Typical for 2003 Mercedes-benz C81,364 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationBV53 VMW
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

20 pass 10 fail
Pass 2 Dec 2025 169,668 miles

Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Front Headlamp lens slightly defective both lens (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced wheel arch (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule both sides (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated both (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 27 Nov 2025 169,046 miles

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

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

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))

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

Headlamp lens seriously defective Both sides (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Offside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))

Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Sub-frame 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))

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

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Sills, subframe, suspension components, wheel arches and underbody has corrosion but not excessive

Pass 8 Nov 2024 154,549 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Coolant leak

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

Nearside Front Inner Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement reaction arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread front and rear (0.1 (b))

Fail 8 Nov 2024 154,549 miles

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Front Coolant leak

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

Nearside Front Inner Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement reaction arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread front and rear (0.1 (b))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

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

Pass 28 Nov 2023 133,269 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Middle box. (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 28 Nov 2023 133,269 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Middle box. (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 17 Nov 2022 125,275 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

under trays and covers not allowing full inspection

Fail 14 Nov 2022 125,275 miles

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

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

under trays and covers not allowing full inspection

Pass 15 Nov 2021 117,809 miles

Both front doors & both rear wings rusted/corroded

Engine covers, under shields and sill covers fitted obscuring some components.

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Fail 11 Oct 2021 117,807 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Lower arm - rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Lower arm - rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Both front doors and rear wheel arches rusted - corroded

Engine covers, sill covers & under shields fitted obscuring some components.

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Pass 9 Nov 2020 116,839 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

Pass 27 Nov 2019 115,581 miles

Sill covers fitted

Exhaust corroded

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Offside rear lamp cracked

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

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Sill covers & under-shields fitted obscuring some components

Pass 30 Nov 2018 110,839 miles

UNDER TRAYS AND COVERS NOT ALLOWING FULL INSPECTION

Fail 16 Nov 2018 110,723 miles

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

UNDER TRAYS AND COVERS NOT ALLOWING FULL INSPECTION

Pass 5 Dec 2017 106,289 miles

UNDER TRAYS AND COVERS NOT ALLOWING FULL INSPECTION

Pass 14 Nov 2016 100,050 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (2.4.A.3)

sill covers,undertrays,and engine covers not allowing full inspection

Pass 1 Dec 2015 96,679 miles

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

under trays ,shields,guards and sill covers obscuring components

Fail 1 Dec 2015 96,679 miles

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

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

under trays ,shields,guards and sill covers obscuring components

Pass 29 Oct 2014 92,375 miles

Offside Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Fail 28 Oct 2014 92,373 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear position lamp(s) damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Pass 30 Sep 2013 86,807 miles
Pass 28 Sep 2012 79,549 miles
Pass 21 Nov 2011 74,772 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 1 Dec 2010 68,253 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Fail 30 Nov 2010 68,253 miles

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Pass 25 Nov 2009 59,817 miles
Pass 28 Nov 2008 53,626 miles
Pass 20 Nov 2007 45,325 miles

n/s door indicater lense cracked

rear pads 50- 60% worn

Fail 19 Nov 2007 45,325 miles

Nearside Front Tyre(s) incorrect because a lightweight or space saving wheel is fitted (4.1.A.1b) DANGEROUS

n/s door indicater lense cracked

rear pads 50- 60% worn

Pass 1 Dec 2006 36,569 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

BV53 VMW 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 66.7%.

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 BV53 VMW, 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 BV53 VMW?

You can check the full history of BV53 VMW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BV53 VMW registered?

BV53 VMW is a 2003 Mercedes-benz C, first registered on 30 September 2003.

Is BV53 VMW safe to buy?

The MOT history for BV53 VMW shows 30 tests with a 66.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BV53 VMW 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 BV53 VMW. 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.