MOT performance
Mercedes-Benz SL R230 (2001–2011): MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 19,865 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz SL R230 in 2023–2024 (cars first registered Dec 2001–Oct 2011, on average 18 years old at test), 81.6% passed first time. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, the R230 failed 52% less often than comparable cars. Against the generation that replaced it, the R231, it fails 25% less often once age and mileage are allowed for (0.47× vs 0.63×).
19,865 MOT tests on 10,763 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 81.6% | ±0.5 pts (95%), n = 19,865 |
| All Mercedes-Benz SLs | 82.9% | n = 43,454 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 0.47× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00; Mercedes-Benz SL overall 0.54× |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 4.8% | n = 19,865 |
| Average age at test | 18 years | n = 19,865 |
| On sale (catalogue) | 2001–2011 | Oct 2001 to Dec 2011 |
R230 against the other Mercedes-Benz SL generations
Newer generations are younger at test, so their raw pass rates are higher almost by default; the adjusted column compares each with cars of the same age, mileage and fuel.
| Generation | Tests | Average age | First-time pass | vs similar cars | Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R230 (2001–2011) | 19,865 | 18 yrs | 81.6% | -52% | 4.8% |
| R231 (2012–2021) | 11,793 | 7.6 yrs | 87.4% | -37% | 4.9% |
Where the R230 differs
- Body, chassis and structure: the R230 failed 41% less often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (0.10× vs 0.17×).
- Noise, emissions and leaks: the R230 failed 37% less often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (0.24× vs 0.39×).
- Lights, reflectors and electrical: the R230 failed 32% less often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (0.25× vs 0.36×).
| Area | R230 (vs similar) | R231 (vs similar) |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.4% (-53%) | 2.3% (-54%) |
| Brakes | 4.6% (-56%) | 1.3% (-65%) |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 4.5% (-75%) | 1.9% (-68%) |
| Tyres | 4.4% (-27%) | 6.0% (+26%) |
| Driver's view of the road | 2.2% (-68%) | 1.0% (-74%) |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% (-75%) | 1.6% (+15%) |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% (-50%) | 0.1% (-71%) |
| Body, chassis and structure | 0.7% (-90%) | 0.1% (-90%) |
| Steering | 0.6% (-78%) | 0.0% (-98%) |
| Registration plates and VIN | 0.5% (-6%) | 0.6% (+230%) |
Most common Mercedes-Benz SL R230 failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Suspension | 1.95% |
| Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.43% |
| Condition: has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 1.24% |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | Brakes | 1.18% |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | Driver's view of the road | 1.05% |
Pass rate by age, by generation
At the same age, the generations can be compared directly.
| Age at test (years) | R230 pass rate (tests) | R231 pass rate (tests) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | — | 91.5% (1,218) |
| 5-6 | — | 90.8% (2,203) |
| 7-8 | — | 88.5% (3,192) |
| 9-10 | — | 84.5% (3,997) |
| 11-12 | 84.0% (505) | 82.0% (995) |
| 13-15 | 81.4% (3,122) | — |
| 16+ | 81.5% (16,238) | — |
Registration years in the R230
| Registered | Tests | First-time pass |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2,004 | 81.1% |
| 2003 | 4,859 | 80.5% |
| 2004 | 3,782 | 82.8% |
| 2005 | 2,297 | 82.2% |
| 2006 | 1,642 | 81.2% |
| 2007 | 1,594 | 81.2% |
| 2008 | 1,561 | 82.5% |
| 2009 | 962 | 81.1% |
| 2010 | 712 | 80.9% |
| 2011 | 440 | 84.5% |
Year pages cover every Mercedes-Benz SL registered that year, including any of another generation.
How cars are assigned to a generation
DVSA records don't say which generation a car is, so 73 Auto assigns each test by first-registration date against its catalogue's on-sale dates for the R230 (Oct 2001 to Dec 2011). Cars registered within three months either side of a changeover are left out, because run-out stock of the old model and early cars of the new one are registered in the same months. Some cars near the edges may still be of the neighbouring generation.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz SL R230
Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.
UK number plate or 17-character VIN
About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.