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MERCEDES SL Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 2,574 MOT tests from 151 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MERCEDES SL has the same fault.

MERCEDES SL's have a very good reliability rating of 657/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MERCEDES SL that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

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Check a Mercedes Sl before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Mercedes Sl side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
Petrol2015808/999Excellent91,033 miles611 vehicles
Petrol2014755/999Very good92,019 miles867 vehicles
Petrol2013710/999Very good108,291 miles569 vehicles
Petrol2009619/999Good79,448 miles555 vehicles
Petrol2004588/999Above average81,127 miles1,929 vehicles
Petrol2002584/999Above average87,439 miles2,075 vehicles
Petrol1997620/999Good83,454 miles638 vehicles
Petrol1995624/999Good87,759 miles581 vehicles
Petrol1994635/999Good87,970 miles568 vehicles
Petrol1987651/999Good103,243 miles589 vehicles
Petrol1984641/999Good110,796 miles1,010 vehicles
Petrol1982644/999Good112,382 miles760 vehicles

How reliable is the MERCEDES SL?

Based on 2,574 MOT tests from 151 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

151

MOT tests

2,574

Pass rate

85.2%

Median mileage

73,956 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MERCEDES SL has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 645 out of 999.

Common MERCEDES SL MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 345 advisory comments and 43 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 159 advisory comments and 12 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 50 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 32 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.1.2 (H))

Lambda sensor issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lambda sensor reading or defect noted at the test.

What to inspect

Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST LAMBDA READING AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE OUTSIDE SPECIFIED LIMITS (8.2.1.2 (C))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN WASHER NOT WORKING (3.5 (A))

MERCEDES SL MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
201566291.9%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
201367084.3%Tyre wear, Corrosion
200969987.9%Tyre wear, Corrosion
2008813786.9%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2007714385.3%Brake disc wear, Tyre wear
2006611888.1%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20051018785%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20041532488%Tyre wear, Corrosion
20031939684.6%Tyre wear, Corrosion
2002917387.3%Tyre wear, Corrosion
1998511376.1%Corrosion, Tyre wear
199558982%Corrosion, Suspension arm issues

What to check when buying a used MERCEDES SL

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

  • Lambda sensor issues. Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Buying a MERCEDES SL?

Common problems tell you what can affect MERCEDES SLs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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