2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate and common faults

402 MOT tests in 2024. 89.8% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time89.8%
Failed or needed repairs10.2%
Typical mileage at test22,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 402 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.0%
    9 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    9 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: too low1.2%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.0%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    6 marked dangerous
  7. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator0.5%
  8. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.5%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.2%
  2. Lights & electrics2.5%
  3. Suspension1.2%
  4. Brakes0.5%
  5. Number plates & VIN0.5%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.5%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.0%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.0%

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: tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL?

In 2024, 89.8% of 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL cars passed their MOT first time, across 402 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL?

The most common failure reasons were 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; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).