2002 Mercedes-Benz SL · 3,904 MOT tests
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 18.8% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 23 SL years (3,904 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 18.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 51% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 73,246
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,904
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.6%
- Lights and electrics6.3%
- Brakes4.8%
- Tyres3.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.3%
- Seat belts and airbags1.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.56%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.23%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.08%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.05%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.02%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.92%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.56%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.48%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.61%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.74%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.41%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.35%)
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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 18.8% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 23 SL years (3,904 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.56% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.23% of tests), ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (1.08% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 73,246 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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