2001 Mercedes-Benz SL · 1,067 MOT tests
2001 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2001 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 15.8% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 23 SL years (1,067 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 15.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 57% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 71,531
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,067
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 50% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 84% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.1%
- Suspension4.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Brakes3.3%
- Tyres2.5%
- Body, chassis and structure1.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.78%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.5%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 0.94%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.94%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Position lamp not working 0.94%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 0.84%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.81%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.97%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.9%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.69%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.37%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (2.62%)
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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2001 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 15.8% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 23 SL years (1,067 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (1.78% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.5% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (0.94% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 71,531 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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