2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

772 MOT tests in 2024. 82.1% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

144Well above average
Passed first time82.1%
Failed or needed repairs17.9%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 772 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
    18 marked dangerous
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.0%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.9%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.9%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    11 marked dangerous
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.8%
    10 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension6.1%
  2. Brakes6.0%
  3. Tyres5.7%
  4. Lights & electrics5.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.6%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.5%
  8. Body & chassis0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.8%
  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 structure7.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.4%

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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 82.1% of 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 772 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 144, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).