RegVerdict Model Intelligence
Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
MOT pass rates & common faults·47,041 DVSA tests·2024
Across 47,041 real DVSA MOT tests in 2024, 83% of Mercedes-Benz SL cars aged 13 years and older pass their MOT first time, ahead of the 61% average for all cars of that age. It holds up especially well on body & structure and steering.
83%
Strong for its agepass first time (13 years and older)
Strong for its age · beats 89% of peers
+22.2 pts
MOT pass rate by age
4 to 7 years
3,472 tests · fleet 85%
94%
8 to 12 years
10,224 tests · fleet 73%
90%
13 years and older
33,345 tests · fleet 61%
83%
Where the SL fails
Suspension97
Brakes98
Body & structure100
Steering100
Tyres98
Lights & electrics97
Holds up better on body & structure, steering, lights & electrics.
Share of 13 years and older Mercedes-Benz SL MOTs with no fault in each area; the marker shows the fleet average. OGL v3.0.
Common questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
On 2024 MOT data the Mercedes-Benz SL holds up well for its age: 83% of examples aged 13 years and older pass first time, against a 61% fleet average. That puts it ahead of 89% of similar-age models.
What is the MOT pass rate for a Mercedes-Benz SL?
First-time MOT pass rates for the Mercedes-Benz SL in 2024: 4 to 7 years, 94%; 8 to 12 years, 90%; and 13 years and older, 83%. Pass rates fall with age across the whole fleet, so compare each figure with cars of the same age, not with a new car.
What commonly fails on a Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
No single area stands out as a recurring weakness for the Mercedes-Benz SL versus other cars of the same age. Its MOT failures are spread across the usual wear items (tyres, brakes, lamps).
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Check a Mercedes-Benz SL’s full history