2012 Mercedes-Benz SL · 1,758 MOT tests
2012 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 14.4% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 23 SL years (1,758 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 14.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 44% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 44,384
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,758
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (293% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.1%
- Brakes2.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.4%
- Suspension2.2%
- Lights and electrics1.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%
- Wheels1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.88%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.82%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.59%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Road wheel fractured or welded defect 0.8%
A fractured wheel can fail suddenly and cause loss of control, so it must be replaced before driving.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 0.68%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.68%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.91%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (3.58%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.5%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (2.33%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.99%)
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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 14.4% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 23 SL years (1,758 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.88% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (1.82% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.59% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 44,384 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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