1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

150 MOT tests in 2024. 80.7% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time80.7%
Failed or needed repairs19.3%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 150 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  2. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.0%
  3. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  6. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour1.3%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.3%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.3%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics18.7%
  2. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  3. Brakes7.3%
  4. Body & chassis3.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  6. Steering2.0%
  7. Suspension2.0%
  8. Tyres1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.0%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 80.7% of 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 150 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; emissions not tested: unable to be completed; rear fog lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).