2016 Mercedes-Benz SL · 3,445 MOT tests
2016 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 9.2% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 23 SL years (3,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 9.2%
- 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 7
- 31,038
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,445
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 50% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 5.3% of tests fail here (17% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.3%
- Lights and electrics2%
- Suspension1.2%
- Number plates and VIN0.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
- Wheels0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.57%
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 1.39%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.25%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.58%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Number plate does not meet standards 0.38%
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.32%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.3%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.45%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (1.8%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.57%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.28%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.04%)
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 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 9.2% of first MOT tests, 44% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 23 SL years (3,445 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.57% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.39% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (1.25% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 31,038 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Check a 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.