2016 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.0L Petrol · CF16 YKY

A recurring pattern of tyre and wheel failures defines this 2016 Mercedes‑Benz SL, with dangerous defects recorded on three separate occasions between 2022 and 2026 and a series of advisories in 2023. The most recent MOT on 12 September 2026 was a clean pass, but it follows a 9 September 2026 failure that listed fractured inner road wheels on both rear sides, exposed ply on multiple tyres and a major cut on the off‑side rear tyre. Earlier failures in 2022 and 2025 also involved exposed ply and a deep cut, while the 2023 advisory warned of a developing cut on the near‑side rear tyre. The record therefore shows a clear, ongoing weakness in the tyre‑wheel assembly rather than an overall improvement in roadworthiness. At 80 667 miles the vehicle averages roughly 8 000 miles per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a ten‑year‑old luxury roadster. There are no significant gaps in the MOT chronology, indicating the car has been regularly tested each year. The mileage itself does not explain the tyre failures, but the cumulative distance places the original tyres well beyond typical service life, and the repeated exposure of cords suggests that the rubber has been operating at the limits of its design life, increasing the likelihood of structural degradation. Prospective buyers should treat the tyre and wheel assembly as the primary area for immediate attention. All four tyres should be inspected for tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of cracking or bulging; any tyre showing exposed cords or cuts reaching the ply must be replaced without delay. The fractured rear inner road wheels recorded in the latest failure indicate that the rim material may have suffered fatigue or impact damage, so a thorough visual inspection of the wheel rims for cracks, bends or corrosion is essential. During a test drive, listen for low‑frequency thumps over bumps that could betray a compromised wheel or loose hub, and feel for any vibration or pull that might signal mis‑alignment caused by the previous wheel failures. Because the MOT history shows repeated tyre‑related defects, future roadworthiness will depend on maintaining a full set of tyres that meet the legal tread depth and structural standards, and on ensuring the wheels are free from cracks or deformation. It is advisable to have the suspension bushes, steering linkage and rear axle bearings checked for wear, as deteriorated tyres can place abnormal loads on these components. Regular tyre pressure checks and periodic re‑treading inspections will help prevent a recurrence of the dangerous failures that have characterised this vehicle’s MOT record.