MOT performance
Mercedes-Benz SL R231 (2012–2021): MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 11,793 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz SL R231 in 2023–2024 (cars first registered May 2012–Oct 2021, on average 7.6 years old at test), 87.4% passed first time. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, the R231 failed 37% less often than comparable cars. Against the generation before it, the R230, it fails 33% more often once age and mileage are allowed for (0.63× vs 0.47×).
11,793 MOT tests on 5,873 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 87.4% | ±0.6 pts (95%), n = 11,793 |
| All Mercedes-Benz SLs | 82.9% | n = 43,454 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 0.63× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00; Mercedes-Benz SL overall 0.54× |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 4.9% | n = 11,793 |
| Average age at test | 7.6 years | n = 11,793 |
| On sale (catalogue) | 2012–2021 | Mar 2012 to Dec 2021 |
R231 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 R231 differs
- Noise, emissions and leaks: the R231 failed 196% more often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (1.15× vs 0.39×).
- Road wheels: the R231 failed 117% more often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (3.47× vs 1.60×).
- Steering: the R231 failed 94% less often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (0.02× vs 0.28×).
- Tyres: the R231 failed 47% more often than the Mercedes-Benz SL overall, relative to comparable cars (1.26× vs 0.86×).
| Area | R230 (vs similar) | R231 (vs similar) |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.4% (-27%) | 6.0% (+26%) |
| Suspension | 6.4% (-53%) | 2.3% (-54%) |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 4.5% (-75%) | 1.9% (-68%) |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% (-75%) | 1.6% (+15%) |
| Brakes | 4.6% (-56%) | 1.3% (-65%) |
| Driver's view of the road | 2.2% (-68%) | 1.0% (-74%) |
Most common Mercedes-Benz SL R231 failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.88% |
| Condition: has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 1.65% |
| Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 1.49% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.31% |
| Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 0.93% |
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 R231
| Registered | Tests | First-time pass |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 757 | 81.5% |
| 2013 | 2,269 | 83.1% |
| 2014 | 2,131 | 86.4% |
| 2015 | 1,635 | 87.8% |
| 2016 | 1,565 | 89.1% |
| 2017 | 1,306 | 90.5% |
| 2018 | 826 | 90.4% |
| 2019 | 841 | 92.3% |
| 2020 | 423 | 92.9% |
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 R231 (Mar 2012 to Dec 2021). 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 R231
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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.