2017 Mercedes-Benz SL: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SL

  4.7% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  5% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  4% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SL as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?