1998 Mercedes-Benz SL · 2,795 MOT tests
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 19.2% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 23 SL years (2,795 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 19.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 45% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 84,079
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,795
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 88% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics7.8%
- Suspension5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.1%
- Brakes3.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Tyres2%
- Steering1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 2.36%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Stop lamp not working 1.36%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.29%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.18%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 0.89%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 0.86%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.52%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.33%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (5.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.29%) · Wheel bearing slight play (3.97%)
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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 19.2% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 23 SL years (2,795 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (2.36% of tests), stop lamp not working (1.36% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 84,079 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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