MERCEDES-BENZ SL2014 · 3.5L PETROL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a worsening pattern of neglected consumables and wheel components. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 39,826 miles passed, it carried forward multiple advisories regarding poor tyre condition and a distorted wheel. This follows a significant failure in October 2024 due to a structural bulge in the offside front tyre, indicating that the previous owner only addressed critical safety issues once they reached the point of failure. At 39,826 miles, this twelve-year-old Mercedes has exceptionally low mileage, averaging approximately 3,300 miles per year. This low usage profile often leads to degradation of rubber-based components despite minimal mechanical wear. Between the 2022 test at 31,584 miles and the 2023 test at 33,783 miles, the car covered only 2,199 miles, yet the record began showing cracking and perishing in the tyres. This suggests the vehicle sits stationary for long periods, dry rot rather than tread loss. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the wheel assemblies, as the nearside rear road wheel has been flagged as distorted across three consecutive tests between 2023 and 2025. A distorted rim often indicates significant impact damage, which could have affected the suspension geometry or wheel bearings. The recurring issues with tyres worn to the legal limit or worn on edges suggest a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for deep cracking and check the suspension bushings for perishation, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from aged rubber components over time.