2019 Mercedes-Benz SL: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mercedes-Benz SL first registered in 2019: we looked at the 1,021 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres19% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension2% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes2% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz SL?
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Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz SL compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | 340 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | 1,199 | Tyres 20% |
| 2017 | 1,909 | Tyres 23% |
| 2016 | 2,304 | Tyres 21% |
| 2015 | 2,389 | Tyres 22% |
| 2014 | 3,166 | Tyres 22% |
| 2013 | 3,382 | Tyres 22% |
| 2012 | 1,246 | Tyres 21% |
| 2011 | 753 | Tyres 22% |
| 2010 | 1,052 | Tyres 25% |
| 2009 | 1,418 | Tyres 24% |
| 2008 | 2,265 | Brakes 24% |
| 2007 | 2,348 | Brakes 22% |
| 2006 | 2,390 | Brakes 26% |
| 2005 | 3,344 | Brakes 23% |
| 2004 | 5,466 | Brakes 24% |
| 2003 | 7,027 | Suspension 24% |
| 2002 | 2,895 | Brakes 26% |
| 2001 | 855 | Brakes 21% |
| 2000 | 1,444 | Suspension 28% |
| 1999 | 1,608 | Suspension 29% |
| 1998 | 2,055 | Suspension 26% |
| 1997 | 1,994 | Brakes 26% |
| 1996 | 1,742 | Brakes 26% |
| 1995 | 1,614 | Brakes 24% |
| 1994 | 1,166 | Suspension 26% |
| 1993 | 476 | Brakes 24% |
| 1992 | 351 | Suspension 23% |
| 1991 | 322 | Suspension 21% |
| 1990 | 208 | Brakes 22% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz SL cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score