1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

102 MOT tests in 2024. 77.5% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time77.5%
Failed or needed repairs22.6%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 102 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working4.9%
  2. Individual direction indicators: not working4.9%
  3. Stop lamp: not working3.9%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working2.0%
  5. Wipers: not working2.0%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.0%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    8 marked dangerous
  8. Rigid brake pipes: at imminent risk of failure or fracture1.0%
    4 marked dangerous
  9. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.4%
  2. Brakes11.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  5. Tyres2.9%
  6. Suspension2.9%
  7. Steering1.0%
  8. Body & chassis1.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.9%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.9%

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.

All SL years1993 SL →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 77.5% of 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 102 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; individual direction indicators: not working; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).