MERCEDES-BENZ SL MOT pass rate
88.1% of 47,078 MERCEDES-BENZ SL MOT tests pass.
The SL has a pass rate of 88.1%, a little higher than the average across all MERCEDES-BENZ models (83.5%).
The MERCEDES-BENZ SL passes its MOT 88.1% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this MERCEDES-BENZ SL?
This is the average across every MERCEDES-BENZ SL in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
How to check and keep your MERCEDES-BENZ’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 95.0% at 3–6 years to 86.3% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (4) | 4 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 95.0% | 1,369 | 21,906 miles |
| 6–10 years | 93.5% | 7,644 | 36,626 miles |
| 10–15 years | 88.6% | 6,649 | 51,665 miles |
| 15+ years | 86.3% | 31,412 | 80,621 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the MERCEDES-BENZ SL
The most common reason the MERCEDES-BENZ SL fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 37.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 37.9% | Not working |
| Suspension | 28.9% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Brakes | 27.3% | Excessively corroded |
| Tyres | 24.6% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.0% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Visibility | 12.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 4.9% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 4.0% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 3.9% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.0% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Related MERCEDES-BENZ models
- MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS — 81.4% pass rate
- MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS — 85.3% pass rate
- MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS — 83.3% pass rate
- MERCEDES-BENZ GLA — 89.4% pass rate
- MERCEDES-BENZ GLC — 91.1% pass rate
- MERCEDES-BENZ CLA — 87.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the MERCEDES-BENZ SL?
- 88.1% of MERCEDES-BENZ SL MOT tests pass, based on 47,078 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the MERCEDES-BENZ SL?
- The most common reason the MERCEDES-BENZ SL fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 37.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- Does this show the MERCEDES-BENZ SL's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the MERCEDES-BENZ service history guide for how to check and keep one.