2010 · 14 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2010 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

346 MOT tests in 2024. 81.5% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

137Well above average
Passed first time81.5%
Failed or needed repairs18.5%
Typical mileage at test57,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 346 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    15 marked dangerous
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed0.9%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.6%
  9. Position lamp: not working0.6%
  10. Individual direction indicators: not working0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension6.1%
  2. Tyres5.8%
  3. Brakes5.8%
  4. Lights & electrics5.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.9%
  8. Wheels0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.4%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.8%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 81.5% of 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 346 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 137, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).