2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.5L Petrol · 62 AJS

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 January 2026 resulted in a pass, although it should be noted that the vehicle failed the preceding day on 28 January 2026 due to two major defects concerning the nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joints on the camber arms, alongside a dangerous defect for a nearside rear tyre exhibiting structural separation in the form of a bulge. The immediate repair and resubmission the following day clearly addressed the safety-critical items sufficiently to achieve a pass, but the result carried forward a substantial advisory portfolio, including continued wear on the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, an offside front tyre showing damage or perishing, a non-excessive oil leak, thinning rear brake pads, and pitted or scored rear brake discs. When viewing the longer-term trend, the 2022 test recorded early-stage advisories for front and rear brake disc wear and a slight play in the offside front camber arm ball joint, which then escalated into the 2026 major failure. This indicates a progressive deterioration of the front suspension geometry and the braking components rather than a stable or improving maintenance profile, and any prospective buyer should treat the current pass as conditional rather than indicative of a fully resolved mechanical state. The recorded mileage of 49,443 miles across twelve years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 4,120 miles, which is notably low for a prestige grand tourer of this age and suggests either extended periods of storage, occasional leisure use, or a combination of both. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine internals and gearbox, it is frequently accompanied by age-related degradation that can be equally problematic. Gaps between tests are consistent with this pattern, and the relatively sparse advisory history prior to 2022 further supports the impression of a vehicle that has been used sparingly rather than driven continuously. For a Mercedes-Benz SL of this vintage, low usage typically brings concerns surrounding standing corrosion on the brake discs, potential seizing of the caliper slide mechanisms due to infrequent operation, deterioration of the 12V battery from prolonged trickle discharge cycles, and the natural perishing of rubber components simply through calendar ageing rather than mechanical wear. Given the advisory items recorded at the 2026 test and the prior major failure, a careful physical and dynamic inspection of the vehicle is strongly recommended. The front suspension should be examined with the wheels raised, paying particular attention to the camber arm ball joints and the castor arm pin or bush, as these have been recurring concerns across the test history. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly during low-speed manoeuvres and over speed bumps, and check for uneven or feathering tyre wear across the front axle, which is a common symptom of worn suspension bushes or ball joints. The rear brake pads and discs should be measured for remaining friction material and disc thickness respectively, and the discs inspected for lipping or severe pitting, since the advisories suggest they are approaching the point at which replacement will be necessary. Additionally, the nearside rear tyre that previously exhibited a dangerous bulge should prompt close inspection of all four tyres, including the sidewalls for perishing or cracking, particularly given the recorded advisory on the offside front tyre. Beyond the documented items, an inspection appropriate to a low-mileage, twelve-year-old SL should include verification of brake caliper function by ensuring the pistons retract fully and the handbrake mechanism releases cleanly, as corrosion and binding are common after long standing periods. The underside of the vehicle, including the front subframe, rear axle assemblies, and exhaust system, should be checked for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to any structural sections. Given the advisory oil leak, a thorough undertray inspection is warranted to identify the source, whether from the sump, valve cover gasket, or a turbo oil line on this model, and to confirm the rate is genuinely minor rather than worsening. Fluid services should be verified regardless of mileage, including engine oil and filter, brake fluid (which degrades hygroscopically with time and should typically be renewed biennially), coolant, and the automatic transmission fluid, alongside confirmation of a recent 12V battery replacement. Finally, the service book should be examined to confirm that essential items such as the auxiliary drive belt, tensioners, spark plugs, and air filter have been attended to within Mercedes-Benz prescribed intervals, as time-based servicing is critical for a vehicle of this age and profile.