2008 Mercedes-Benz SL · 3,248 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 16.2% of first MOT tests, 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 23 SL years (3,248 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 16.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 54% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 60,688
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,248
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 58% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 78% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Suspension4.8%
- Tyres4.3%
- Brakes3.8%
- Lights and electrics3.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%
- Body, chassis and structure1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.91%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.02%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.89%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.83%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 0.8%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.8%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.33%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.11%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.17%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (2.71%)
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 16.2% of first MOT tests, 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 23 SL years (3,248 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (1.91% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.02% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 60,688 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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