MERCEDES SLS (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 317 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
6208cc Petrol
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 6208cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 15 years old, 95% of MERCEDES SLSs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 317 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 19,562 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
19,562
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 MERCEDES SLS has 19,562 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 94%. The 2011 sits between the two at 95%.
MERCEDES SLS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 MERCEDES SLS
The 2011 MERCEDES SLS is a performance with a 6208cc petrol engine. 317 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2011 cars for reliability.
With an average of 19,562 miles at 15 years old, MERCEDES SLS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2011 MERCEDES SLS Fuel Costs
The 6208cc 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 2011 MERCEDES SLS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES SLS Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES SLSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 MERCEDES SLS
At 15 years old, the MERCEDES SLS 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 MERCEDES SLS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 15 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2011 MERCEDES SLS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES SLS(2011) | 95% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| BENTLEY CONTINENTAL(2012) | 95% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| MERCEDES SL(2010) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE(2013) | 97% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
| ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH(2013) | 97% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097-£510 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL
2012 · 5998cc Petrol
MERCEDES SL
2010 · 6208cc Petrol
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE
2013 · 5935cc Petrol
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