Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2007 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.5L Petrol · TSL 33S

TSL 33S

2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (3.5L, petrol). First registered 23/07/2007. Recorded mileage 61,427 miles. MOT valid until 12/10/2026. Taxed until 01/10/2026.

Make & Model
MERCEDES-BENZ SL
Year / Origin
2007
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 12/10/2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01/10/2026)
Recorded Mileage
61,427 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 3.5L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 12/10/2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/10/2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2007
Engine
3498cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Recurring issues with Macpherson strut ball joints and corrosion on brake pipes define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, despite its most recent pass on 24 September 2025. The MOT history shows a pattern of progressive wear in the front suspension, specifically with nearside front ball joint play being noted in both 2023 and 2025. While the vehicle has maintained a passing status throughout the recorded period, the presence of multiple advisories regarding structural components like brake pipes and suspension linkages suggests a trend of component degradation that requires close monitoring. The recorded mileage of 61,427 miles over a nineteen-year period represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 3,233 miles. This is significantly lower than the typical UK average, which can imply lighter mechanical use but also introduces the risk of components perishing due to age rather than wear. This is evidenced by the 2021 and 2023 advisories regarding tyre sidewall cracking and perishing, as well as the 2024 report of corroded brake pipes. When a vehicle is driven infrequently, rubber seals, tyre sidewalls, and brake lines are more susceptible to environmental degradation and age-related brittleness than they would be under regular, high-speed motorway use. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry and steering response during a test drive. Given the recurring advisories for Macpherson strut ball joint play, listen for any knocking, clunking, or popping sounds when navigating uneven road surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Any sensation of looseness in the steering or a slight pull to one side could indicate that the play in these joints has progressed beyond the minor levels noted in the 2025 test. The 2024 advisories regarding corroded brake pipes on both the nearside and offside front should also be a primary focus. While these were noted as being covered in grease or other material, which can sometimes mask the extent of the corrosion, it is essential to inspect the physical condition of the hydraulic lines for any signs of bubbling, scaling, or weeping. During the test drive, monitor the brake pedal for any unusual sponginess, vibration, or lack of firmness, which could indicate that the integrity of the brake pipe system is compromised.

TSL 33S Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 24/09/2025
  • 61,427 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
90
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for TSL33S

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Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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TSL 33S Mileage History

  1. 16/09/202156,820 mi
  2. 30/09/202258,243 mi+1,423 mi
  3. 29/09/202359,830 mi+1,587 mi
  4. 25/09/202460,916 mi+1,086 mi
  5. 24/09/202561,427 mi+511 mi

Average of roughly 1,146 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

TSL 33S MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 26 Sept 2026, 02:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2007 Mercedes-Benz Sl (TSL 33S) between September 2021 and September 2025.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 7 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,800-£2,400
Mileage
At 61,427 miles over nearly 19 years, th...

Our Verdict

This 2007 Mercedes SL is a relatively lo

Given the recurring advisories on front Macpherson strut ball joints (flagged in both 2023 and 2025) and corroded brake pipes (2024), a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the R230-generation SL is highly advisable. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in this model is generally regarded as less complex than the larger V8 variants, but the SL's retractable hard top mechanism is a known area of concern on cars of this age and is not assessable through MOT data alone, so request a demonstration of its full operation. Negotiate on the basis of likely upcoming suspension and brake pipe work, and budget for these items even if the car drives well on the day of viewing. Service history documentation should be requested to verify oil change intervals, as the relatively low annual mileage can sometimes mask long intervals between services.

The 3.5-litre petrol SL is likely to return fuel economy in the mid-20s mpg range in real-world mixed driving, which combined with the premium unleaded requirement typical of Mercedes petrol engines of the era, will result in meaningful fuel costs for any buyer covering more than occasional leisure miles. Road tax for a 2007 petrol of this engine size typically falls into a higher bracket than modern equivalents, so check the current VED band before committing. Insurance for an SL will generally place it in a higher group than a comparable coupe, particularly for younger drivers, and parts — especially those relating to the folding roof mechanism — can be expensive. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be in the £1,800-£2,400 range covering fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, with the caveat that any hydraulic or roof-related repair could substantially increase this.

Start by inspecting the front Macpherson strut ball joints for excessive play, as this advisory has now appeared at two consecutive tests (2023 and 2025) on the nearside and once on the offside — replacement bushes or full strut assemblies may be required. The brake pipes were flagged for corrosion in 2024 and are a common age-related issue on R230 SLs, so check all visible brake lines for surface rust and verify recent brake fluid changes. The 2023 advisory regarding perished tyre sidewalls is worth noting as a reminder to inspect all four tyres carefully for cracking, given the car's low annual mileage which can accelerate sidewall deterioration. Beyond the MOT items, have the ABC (Active Body Control) hydraulic suspension system checked for leaks and warning messages, as this is a known cost area on this generation of SL. Finally, test the retractable hard top through a full open and close cycle, listening for any abnormal noises or hesitation.

This silver 2007 Mercedes SL, fitted with the 3.5-litre petrol engine, has covered 61,427 miles over nearly 19 years of ownership, averaging around 3,400 miles annually — well below typical mileage for a car of this age. The MOT history shows four consecutive passes between 2021 and 2025, with no outright failures recorded in the available data, though multiple advisories relating to front suspension ball joints and brake pipe corrosion have appeared. The 2022 test stands out as the only fully clean record with no defects or advisories. Overall, the test outcomes suggest a vehicle that has consistently met the minimum legal standard but with recurring minor wear items that may need attention.

No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Mercedes SL model, so a definitive reliability assessment cannot be made from the dataset. The single-vehicle MOT history shows consistent passes but recurring front-end wear items typical of a luxury vehicle approaching two decades of age.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns