1997 Mercedes-Benz SL · 1,129 MOT tests
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
1997 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 21% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 SL years (1,129 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 21%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 41% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 91,519
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,129
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- 1998 cars: 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 86% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.5%
- Suspension5.3%
- Brakes4.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.8%
- Tyres2.1%
- Steering1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.57%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Stop lamp not working 2.21%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Side repeater not working 2.04%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Direction indicator wrong colour 1.95%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Position lamp not working 1.51%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.33%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.41%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.79%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.88%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.55%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.47%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (4.61%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz SL year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz SL reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz SL, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
1997 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 21% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 SL years (1,129 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (2.57% of tests), stop lamp not working (2.21% of tests), side repeater not working (2.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 91,519 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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