2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.5L Petrol · E12 PAE

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a concerning downward trend in mechanical integrity, despite a passing result in the most recent test on 13 August 2025 at 113,556 miles. While the car passed, the August 2025 test followed a failure just six days earlier at 113,496 miles, where a fractured offside front coil spring was identified. The record indicates significant recent issues with the braking system, specifically corrosion on both the offside and nearside front brake pipes to the flexi hoses. The presence of grease or other material covering these corroded pipes is a red flag, as it can be used to mask the extent of the degradation. The mileage pattern suggests a low-use vehicle, averaging roughly 5,600 miles per year over its twenty-year lifespan. The data shows consistent, albeit infrequent, usage, with a notable gap between the 2021 and 2023 tests. However, the recent jump from 107,000 miles in July 2024 to over 113,000 miles in August 2025 shows a slight increase in annual activity. This low mileage often correlates with the age-related corrosion and rubber component degradation seen in the recent MOT history. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and structural components. The August 2025 record notes that the offside front and both rear wheels have been welded, which suggests previous significant impact damage or severe corrosion to the wheel mounting points or subframe. The missing nearside front jacking point cover also warrants investigation to ensure the structural integrity of the sills and mounting areas is intact. Further attention should be directed toward the braking system and suspension. The recurring mention of corroded brake pipes suggests that the hydraulic lines may be nearing the end of their service life. Given the recent coil spring failure, the entire suspension setup, including bushes and dampers, should be checked for wear. Finally, the history of tyre failures, such as the exposed cords noted in February 2016 and March 2015, indicates that while the car is driven infrequently, maintenance of consumables has been inconsistent in the past.