2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

490 MOT tests in 2024. 81.0% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

132Well above average
Passed first time81.0%
Failed or needed repairs19.0%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 490 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  3. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.4%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.0%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
  6. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault1.0%
  7. Anti-roll bars - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.0%
  9. Position lamp: not working0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.2%
  2. Suspension6.3%
  3. Brakes5.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.3%
  5. Tyres3.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  7. Steering2.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.1%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.7%

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: suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 81.0% of 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 490 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; stop lamp: not working; headlamp: not working on dipped beam. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 132, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).