2014 · 10 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2014 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

1,044 MOT tests in 2024. 86.5% passed first time, compared with 69.9% for all cars the same age.

124Well above average
Passed first time86.5%
Failed or needed repairs13.5%
Typical mileage at test43,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,044 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.6%
    34 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    24 marked dangerous
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.2%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded0.9%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.8%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.7%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.2%
  2. Emissions & leaks3.8%
  3. Suspension3.2%
  4. Brakes3.0%
  5. Lights & electrics1.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  7. Wheels0.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.4%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.7%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.6%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 86.5% of 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,044 tests. The average for all 10-year-old cars was 69.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 124, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).