2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Wheel bearings12.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  2.5% All 2019 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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 electrics
  6% 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
  3% 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
  2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  2% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 12.5× as often on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?