2004 Mercedes-Benz SL · 7,377 MOT tests
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 16.9% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 23 SL years (7,377 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 16.9%
- 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 19
- 74,087
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,377
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.5%
- Brakes4.4%
- Lights and electrics4.4%
- Tyres3.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.75%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.03%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.02%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 0.88%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.77%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.75%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.4%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.36%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.35%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.92%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.23%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (2.85%)
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2004 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 16.9% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 23 SL years (7,377 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (1.75% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.03% of tests), ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (1.02% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 74,087 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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