1997 Mercedes-Benz SL 2.8L Petrol · 500 S
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (2.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 146,296 miles. MOT expired on 14 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ SL
- Year / Origin
- 1997
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 14 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 146,296 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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500 S Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 16/09/2026
- 146,296 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 16 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
500 S MOT History
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 1997 Mercedes-Benz Sl (500 S) between September 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 September 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Bodywork (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bo”; “Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a bod”; “Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position (3.1 (b) (i))”.
500 S Mileage History
- 18/09/2023136,641 mi
- 21/09/2023136,643 mi+2 mi
- 16/09/2024139,005 mi+2,362 mi
- 16/09/2025142,842 mi+3,837 mi
- 16/09/2026146,296 mi+3,454 mi
Average of roughly 3,223 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171)
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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