1997 Mercedes SL 500 Auto 5.0L Petrol · FDZ 811
1997 Mercedes SL 500 Auto (5.0L, petrol). First registered 04 Jul 1997. Recorded mileage 99,237 miles. MOT valid until 15 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SL 500 AUTO
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,237 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 5.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
FDZ 811 Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/07/2026
- 99,237 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FDZ 811 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Mercedes Sl 500 Auto (FDZ 811) between March 2025 and July 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
FDZ 811 Mileage History
- 31/03/202596,539 mi
- 16/07/202699,237 mi+2,698 mi
Average of roughly 2,088 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong candidate for a classic V8 road
When purchasing a vehicle of this age, the MOT history only provides a snapshot of roadworthiness. You should request a full service history to verify that the V8 engine has been maintained according to manufacturer intervals. Pay close attention to the operation of the convertible roof mechanism, as these are complex and expensive to repair if they fail.
Negotiate based on the age of the tyres and any evidence of interior wear. Ensure that all electrical components, including the seats and windows, function correctly, as electrical gremlins can be common in luxury vehicles from the late 1990s.
The 4973cc petrol engine will result in high fuel consumption and significant annual road tax. Insurance groups for this model are typically high due to the engine size and vehicle value, although specialist classic car insurance may offer more competitive rates.
Maintenance costs for the SL 500 can be substantial, particularly for parts specific to the hydraulic roof and the V8 drivetrain. Expect higher-than-average costs for routine servicing compared to modern vehicles.
Carefully inspect the hydraulic roof system for smooth operation and leaks, as this is a critical component of the SL's utility. While the MOT history shows no defects in the last two years, check the underbody and wheel arches for any signs of corrosion typical of vehicles from 1997.
Examine the engine bay for oil leaks around the gaskets and check the condition of the green paintwork for fading or clear-coat failure. Verify that the brakes and suspension feel firm, as the weight of the V8 engine puts significant demand on these components.
This 1997 Green Mercedes SL 500 has recorded 99,237 miles as of July 2026. The vehicle has passed its last two MOT tests in March 2025 and July 2026 with no defects recorded. It offers a high-capacity 4973cc petrol engine in a chassis that has shown no recent test failures.
Aggregate MOT data is unavailable for this specific model, but the SL 500 is generally known for its robust mechanical engineering.
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
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