MERCEDES SL (2015)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,222 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
2,222
Avg Mileage
40,591 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2015 MERCEDES SL reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 9 years old, 92% of MERCEDES SLs from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,222 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,591 miles.
How does the 2015 MERCEDES SL compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2015 MERCEDES SL has 40,591 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2015 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2015 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 2015 MERCEDES SL
The 2015 MERCEDES SL is a performance with a 4663cc petrol engine. 2,222 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2015 cars for reliability.
With an average of 40,591 miles at 9 years old, MERCEDES SL owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2015 MERCEDES SL Fuel Costs
The 4663cc 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 2015 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 92% 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 2015 MERCEDES SL
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2015 MERCEDES SL
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (2017) 91% pass rate (-1%) from 16,007 tests
- JAGUAR F-TYPE (2014) 94% pass rate (+2%) from 5,734 tests
- BMW X6 (2017) 92% pass rate (same) from 3,667 tests
- JAGUAR XK (2014) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 2,618 tests