2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

279 MOT tests in 2024. 84.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

142Well above average
Passed first time84.6%
Failed or needed repairs15.4%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 279 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.4%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.1%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  8. Washers: not working1.1%
  9. Side repeaters: incorrect colour0.7%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    2 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension6.5%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  3. Lights & electrics5.4%
  4. Brakes3.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.9%
  6. Tyres2.5%
  7. Body & chassis1.4%
  8. Steering0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.0%

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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 84.6% of 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 279 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 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; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 142, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).