Mercedes Benz Sl (2014)

1,151 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.5% first-time pass rate

2014 Mercedes Benz Sl

CarHunch analysed 1,151 real MOT records for the 2014 Mercedes Benz Sl. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL passes its MOT first time at 90.5%, significantly above the UK average of 80%, which is genuinely impressive—but 28.8% of these cars have recorded at least one dangerous defect, a concern for any buyer considering one. That's a red flag worth investigating on any specific example you're viewing.

These SL models are running low mileage for their age at a median of 32,282 miles, suggesting they've been cherished rather than thrashed, though the 5.8 average advisories per vehicle hints at typical wear on ageing luxury components like suspension and seals. Before committing to a purchase, have a pre-buy inspection focus on the electrical and hydraulic systems, as these are where Mercedes SLs historically develop expensive problems.

Below average reliability 10.5% above UK average
90.5%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
32,282
typical mileage
23,377–45,127 middle half
28.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.03
avg MOT failures per car
over 9.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2014 Mercedes Benz Sl

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 28.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Mercedes Benz Sl

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Mercedes Benz Sl vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

23,377
low mileage
32,282
typical
45,127
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Mercedes Benz Sl vehicles fall between 23,377 and 45,127 miles.

2014 Mercedes Benz Sl — Still on the Road

Strong survival — 1,008 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 93% of the peak.

1,089 1,008 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.

MOT History Averages

9.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.03
Avg failures per vehicle
5.8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2014 Mercedes Benz Sl

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 22.8%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 22.3%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 16.2%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 15.5%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 15.4%
    Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 15.4%
    Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 11.1%
    Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 10.5%
    Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Mercedes Benz Sl?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Mercedes Benz Sl:

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019