MERCEDES SL (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,940 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
1,940
Avg Mileage
65,610 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2008 MERCEDES SL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 16 years old, 90% of MERCEDES SLs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,940 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,610 miles.
How does the 2008 MERCEDES SL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 MERCEDES SL has 65,610 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES SL?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2008 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2008 MERCEDES SL cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES SL by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 97% | 851 | 19,987 mi |
| 2018 | 93% | 1,022 | 25,750 mi |
| 2017 | 94% | 1,847 | 30,630 mi |
| 2016 | 95% | 2,240 | 36,109 mi |
| 2015 | 92% | 2,222 | 40,591 mi |
| 2014 | 92% | 2,892 | 47,357 mi |
| 2013 | 89% | 2,796 | 49,450 mi |
| 2012 | 90% | 1,136 | 50,476 mi |
| 2011 | 92% | 579 | 50,602 mi |
| 2010 | 88% | 955 | 62,402 mi |
| 2009 | 87% | 1,222 | 63,020 mi |
| 2008 | 90% | 1,940 | 65,610 mi |
| 2007 | 88% | 1,792 | 71,215 mi |
| 2006 | 87% | 1,832 | 73,640 mi |
| 2005 | 88% | 2,430 | 75,394 mi |
| 2004 | 88% | 4,036 | 77,676 mi |
| 2003 | 86% | 5,173 | 75,808 mi |
| 2002 | 88% | 2,083 | 74,421 mi |
| 2001 | 90% | 528 | 78,534 mi |
| 2000 | 86% | 955 | 84,195 mi |
| 1999 | 87% | 1,617 | 84,924 mi |
| 1998 | 86% | 2,018 | 89,595 mi |
| 1997 | 87% | 2,117 | 93,418 mi |
| 1996 | 88% | 1,778 | 93,971 mi |
| 1995 | 85% | 1,627 | 99,248 mi |
| 1994 | 88% | 1,244 | 93,271 mi |
| 1993 | 88% | 462 | 85,167 mi |
| 1992 | 87% | 312 | 90,571 mi |
| 1991 | 86% | 288 | 78,703 mi |
| 1990 | 81% | 186 | 88,429 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES SL?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2008 MERCEDES SL
The 2008 MERCEDES SL is a performance with a 5462cc petrol engine. 1,940 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 65,610 miles at 16 years old, MERCEDES SL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 MERCEDES SL Fuel Costs
The 5462cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 MERCEDES SL?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES SL Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES SLs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 MERCEDES SL
At 16 years old, the MERCEDES SL is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2008 MERCEDES SL
The MERCEDES SL is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- AUDI A6 (2009) 81% pass rate (-9%) from 8,341 tests
- MERCEDES ML (2006) 80% pass rate (-10%) from 3,946 tests
- JAGUAR XKR (2010) 87% pass rate (-3%) from 1,814 tests
- JAGUAR XK (2010) 86% pass rate (-4%) from 1,568 tests