2018 Mercedes-Benz SL · 1,652 MOT tests
2018 Mercedes-Benz SL reliability
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 7.3% of first MOT tests, 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 SL years (1,652 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- 7.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz SLs: 15.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 39% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 19,396
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,652
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 50% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 49% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 4.6% of tests fail here (23% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.6%
- Lights and electrics1.1%
- Suspension0.8%
- Number plates and VIN0.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.5%
- Wheels0.2%
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.39%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.03%
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 0.67%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.36%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Number plate does not meet standards 0.36%
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.3%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.72%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.36%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.82%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.39%) · Tyre showing slight damage (0.91%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz SL year
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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
2018 Mercedes-Benz SLs fail 7.3% of first MOT tests, 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 SL years (1,652 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT?
Most often tyre bulge from structural failure (1.39% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.03% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL shows 19,396 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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