Mercedes 500SL MOT Pass Rates and Running Costs by Year
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 2 model years from 64 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests
64
Model Years
2002 to 2003
Years Covered
2
About the Mercedes 500SL
The Mercedes 500SL was MOT tested 64 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 2 model years (2002 to 2003), with an average pass rate of 91%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2002) averages 47,830 miles, while the newest (2003) averages 85,782 miles.
Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the 500SL performs 4 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Mercedes range.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2003 detailsHow reliable is the Mercedes 500SL?
Mercedes 500SL by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Mercedes 500SL
Is the Mercedes 500SL reliable?
Across its 2 model years in our data (2002 to 2003), the Mercedes 500SL averages a 91% MOT pass rate, from 64 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
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