2006 Mercedes-Benz SL · 3,298 MOT tests
2006 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 17% of first MOT tests, 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 23 SL years (3,298 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 17%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 55% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 70,961
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,298
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 58% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 81% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.6%
- Brakes4.2%
- Tyres4.2%
- Lights and electrics3.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
- Body, chassis and structure0.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.55%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.33%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.18%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.91%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
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 0.82%
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 (8.25%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.31%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.52%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.12%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.7%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (2.97%)
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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 17% of first MOT tests, 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 23 SL years (3,298 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (2.55% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (1.33% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (1.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 70,961 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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