1992 Mercedes SL 3.0L Petrol · J780 EEE
1992 Mercedes SL (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01/04/1992. Recorded mileage 42,506 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES SL
- Year / Origin
- 1992
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28/12/2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 42,506 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1992
- Engine
- 2960cc
J780 EEE Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/12/2023
- 42,506 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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J780 EEE Mileage History
- 21/04/202242,506 mi
- 18/05/202242,506 mi
- 29/12/202342,506 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
J780 EEE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1992 Mercedes Sl (J780 EEE) between April 2022 and December 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 December 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A rare, low-mileage example of the R129
The most critical point for a buyer is the stagnant mileage. Because the odometer has remained at 42,506 miles from April 2022 through December 2023, you should investigate how the car was stored. Check for signs of moisture in the cabin and the condition of the leather upholstery, as long-term inactivity can lead to seal degradation and fluid contamination.
Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for a full mechanical recommissioning. This should include a full oil and filter change, a fresh coolant flush, and the replacement of the tyres flagged in the last MOT. Ensure you verify the service history to see if the vehicle was maintained during its period of inactivity.
Running costs for this 2960cc petrol engine will be high by modern standards. Fuel economy will be low, and the vehicle will fall into a higher road tax bracket due to its age and engine size. Insurance for a classic SL is often reasonable for experienced drivers, but parts for the R129 can be expensive if specialist components are required.
Given the age and the evidence of the car sitting idle, expect higher initial maintenance costs to return it to road-worthy condition. Annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance, are likely to be significant.
Prioritise a detailed inspection of the tyres; the December 2023 MOT specifically flagged the nearside front, nearside rear, and offside front tyres as being slightly damaged, cracking, or perishing. This is a common symptom of a car that has not been driven, and all four tyres should likely be replaced for safety.
Check the operation of the windscreen wipers, which caused an MOT failure in April 2022, to ensure the repair was permanent. Additionally, inspect all rubber hoses and belts for dryness or cracking, and check the brakes for signs of seizure or corrosion resulting from the recorded lack of use.
This 1992 white Mercedes SL has recorded 42,506 miles across its last three MOT tests, showing no increase in distance since April 2022. The MOT history shows a failure for a windscreen wiper in 2022 and advisories for perishing tyres in 2023. It presents as a low-mileage classic, though the data indicates it has not been used regularly in recent years.
Aggregate data for this specific model is unavailable, but the R129 series is generally known for its robust build quality.
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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