2007 · 17 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2007 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

759 MOT tests in 2024. 80.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

141Well above average
Passed first time80.4%
Failed or needed repairs19.6%
Typical mileage at test69,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 759 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
    16 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
    20 marked dangerous
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.1%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    11 marked dangerous
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension7.5%
  2. Brakes6.1%
  3. Tyres5.8%
  4. Lights & electrics3.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.8%
  8. Wheels0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.1%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.5%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 80.4% of 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 759 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 141, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).