2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 81.9% of Mercedes-Benz SLs first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. Across 3,385 SL first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, tyres and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mercedes-Benz SLs first used in 2005 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, SLs first used in 2005 against all cars first used in 2005 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the SL figure was 24.3 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2005 SL | All cars first used 2005 | SL first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82.8% | 54.6% | 1,293 |
| 2022 | 80.4% | 55.7% | 1,217 |
| 2023 | 82.9% | 56.3% | 1,194 |
| 2024 | 81.5% | 56.5% | 1,108 |
| 2025 | 81.9% | 57.6% | 1,083 |
Common 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT failures
Share of the 605 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 17.4% | 105 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 8.9% | 54 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an SL in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2005 SLs, as a share of all 3,385 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 9.4% | 318 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 9.4% | 317 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 7.5% | 255 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 6.7% | 226 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 5.2% | 175 |
Questions about the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL?
In 2025, 81.9% of SLs first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2005 SL most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 40.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), tyres (23.3%) and brakes (22.1%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (17.4%).
How often does a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL fail its MOT?
In 2025, 18.1% of first tests on SLs first used in 2005 did not pass first time: 15.8% failed, and a further 2.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 605 of 3,385 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL MOT advisories?
“Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (on 9.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (9.4%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (7.5%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (6.7%) and “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (5.2%).
Is a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 82.8% in 2021 to 81.9% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2005
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2005 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2005 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2005 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2005 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2005 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2005 SL?
The numbers above cover every SL first used in 2005 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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