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Mercedes-Benz SL reliability by build year

Coverage 2001-present2 named generationsConvertiblePETROL

We've only got 553 MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz SL models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Mercedes-Benz SL built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mercedes-Benz SL models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Check a Mercedes-Benz SL by number plate

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz SL models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz SL models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mercedes-Benz SL's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your SL's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

R

R230 (2001-2012)

Excellent
PETROL

16.6% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)

Likely between 12.9% and 21.1%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)

From 314 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL
6,059 MOT tests across all agesNo separate page

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mercedes-Benz SL.

See every build year for the Mercedes-Benz SL

By age

Mercedes-Benz SL fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mercedes-Benz SL ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1337.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2769.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4598.3%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5537.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7768.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
85811.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
95111.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,36714.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
97915.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
31416.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
37116.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
46816.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
57814.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
93415.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
85215.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,19115.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,35614.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,44516.0%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
2,03416.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
50717.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
39916.3%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
5,84217.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz SL models

These issues come from 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz SL models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    10.8%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 3 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.2%
    Advisory: 79Fail: 6 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    5.6%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 13 (36% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    3.8%
    Advisory: 19Fail: 8 (30% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    3.4%
    Advisory: 24Fail: 1 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 553 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz SL models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Mercedes-Benz SL models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Suspension + Tyres28%
  2. Brakes + Tyres28%
  3. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers16%
  4. Other + Tyres16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 50 MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz SL cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

91%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

31 recalls in all

19 of the 31 Mercedes-Benz SL recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 19 recalls

Top concerns

  • SRPC2501 - processor Starter/Generator
  • SRPC2401 - system protection
  • On affected vehicles the 12V-starter / generator wiring harness might not meet specifications.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other convertibles to compare

Other convertibles to compare

  1. 1

    Mazda MX-5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    3.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.6%

    More still registered at 10 years: 98%, against 91% for the Mercedes-Benz SL.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,934 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    More still registered at 10 years: 98%, against 91% for the Mercedes-Benz SL.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    1,067 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mercedes-Benz SL across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has among the lowest fail rates of the 15 Mercedes-Benz models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 553 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Mercedes-Benz SL ever sold: 23,643 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 553 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.