2015 · 9 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2015 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

811 MOT tests in 2024. 85.7% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time85.7%
Failed or needed repairs14.3%
Typical mileage at test38,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 811 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    13 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.6%
    17 marked dangerous
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
    15 marked dangerous
  7. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements1.1%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    13 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
  10. Road Wheels - condition: fractured0.5%
    5 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres8.1%
  2. Suspension3.3%
  3. Number plates & VIN1.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  5. Lights & electrics1.4%
  6. Brakes1.2%
  7. Wheels0.9%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.9%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.6%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.7%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 85.7% of 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 811 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL?

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

Is the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).