2009 Mercedes-Benz SL · 1,966 MOT tests
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 17.9% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 23 SL years (1,966 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 17.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 47% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 58,122
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,966
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.2% of tests fail here (6% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 70% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.2%
- Suspension6%
- Lights and electrics4.3%
- Brakes3.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.09%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.22%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tear from structural failure 0.97%
A tear in the tyre's structure means it can fail suddenly, so it must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.92%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.86%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.81%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.83%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.56%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.6%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.49%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (1.93%)
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 17.9% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 23 SL years (1,966 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (2.09% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.22% of tests), tyre tear from structural failure (0.97% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 58,122 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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