2003 Mercedes-Benz SL · 9,439 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 18.7% of first MOT tests, 52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 23 SL years (9,439 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 18.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 52% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 74,128
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,439
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 87% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Suspension5.8%
- Lights and electrics5.2%
- Brakes4.9%
- Tyres3.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%
- Seat belts and airbags2.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.59%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.32%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.08%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
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.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.02%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.6%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.26%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.12%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.86%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.35%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.88%)
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 18.7% of first MOT tests, 52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 23 SL years (9,439 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.59% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.32% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (1.08% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 74,128 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.