1998 Mercedes SL 3.2L Petrol · H2 UST

The 1998 Mercedes SL presents a mixed but broadly stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT on 4 November 2025 at 65,332 miles resulting in a pass. The tester flagged light corrosion on the exhaust rear box, light surface corrosion to underside components and body, and slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing. These are minor advisories rather than failures, and the overall trend across the last five years shows the car has consistently passed its annual tests. The maintenance picture is neither sharply improving nor deteriorating. Corrosion advisories have persisted throughout the recorded history, while some earlier mechanical items, such as brake pipe corrosion and worn rear inner discs flagged in November 2022, do not reappear in later tests, suggesting those components were likely addressed. The November 2024 test noted rear service brake fluctuation on both sides, a condition that was not repeated in 2025, indicating a possible repair or natural resolution. The most recent test is now over seven months old as of June 2026, so a fresh inspection is advisable before purchase. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. The car has covered just 3,059 miles over the five-year MOT history, averaging around 612 miles per year in that window, which is even lower than the lifetime average of roughly 2,333 miles per year. The recorded figure of 65,332 miles in November 2025 is identical to the current recorded mileage, meaning the car has effectively stood still for at least the past seven months. This raises the question of whether seals, hoses, and tyres have suffered from age-related deterioration rather than wear. Long periods of inactivity can cause brake calipers to stick, tyres to flat-spot, and rubber components to perish, none of which the MOT fully captures. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the underside and suspension components. Corrosion has been a recurring theme across every test in the record, with specific mentions of corroded coil springs in 2021 and 2023, corroded brake pipes in 2022, and persistent surface corrosion to the body and underside. While none of these have yet reached failure severity, the cumulative pattern suggests the car has spent time in conditions that promote rust, and a thorough check of structural mounting points, sills, and subframes is warranted. The slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing flagged in 2025 should be tested dynamically, as bearing wear can accelerate quickly once play becomes detectable. The braking system deserves close attention as well. The 2022 test identified corroded front and rear brake pipes, worn rear inner discs, and deteriorated rear brake hoses, while the 2024 test recorded rear brake fluctuation. Although these items were not flagged in 2025, the history indicates the braking system has required intermittent attention. A test drive should assess pedal feel, pulling under braking, and any judder through the steering. Given the car's age and low use, a compression test and inspection of fuel system seals would also be prudent, as stale fuel and standing engine conditions can cause issues the MOT does not assess.