1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

569 MOT tests in 2024. 83.0% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time83.0%
Failed or needed repairs17.0%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 569 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  2. Individual direction indicators: not working1.1%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.7%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded0.7%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
    10 marked dangerous
  9. Bonnet: cannot be secured in the closed position0.7%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.2%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks4.4%
  4. Brakes3.9%
  5. Suspension2.5%
  6. Tyres2.3%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Steering0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.2%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1995 SLAll SL years1997 SL →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 83.0% of 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 569 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; individual direction indicators: not working; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).