2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.0L Petrol · MP65 RNF

The vehicle achieved a PASS on its most recent MOT test dated 28 July 2026, with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate outcome for any prospective buyer. However, the trend across the last three testing cycles reveals a concerning pattern regarding the front suspension. The 2024 and 2023 tests were clean, but in July 2025 the nearside front lower trailing arm ball joint was noted with slight play as an advisory, before deteriorating to an excessive wear Major failure on 27 July 2026 and then passing a day later, presumably following replacement. This escalating advisory-to-failure progression suggests the component was actively deteriorating over a twelve-month period rather than being a sudden failure, and the buyer should verify exactly what rectification work was carried out, obtain the invoice, and confirm the part used was of OEM or equivalent quality. The advisories relating to lipping on both front and rear brake discs in 2025 should also be monitored, as such wear can progress to brake shudder under heavy pedal application. With a recorded mileage of 48,907 miles across approximately eleven years of service, this Mercedes-Benz SL has covered only around 4,446 miles per year on average, which is notably low for any motorcar and particularly so for a high-performance luxury convertible of this type. Such low annual usage typically indicates either limited seasonal driving or extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from corrosion pitting and seizing when left idle, which ties in with the brake disc lip advisories already observed, and the historical MOT entries repeatedly noting undertrays fitted obscuring underside components make it difficult for testers to fully inspect corrosion, fluid leaks, or worn drivetrain items. Any prospective buyer should be alert to the possibility of standing-related degradation throughout the drivetrain, fuel, brake, and coolant systems. Given the low mileage and the vehicle's age, a thorough physical inspection should focus heavily on calendar-based deterioration as well as the recently rectified suspension component. The nearside front lower trailing arm ball joint and surrounding bushes should be inspected for any play or knocking, which would manifest on a test drive as a clonking noise over speed humps, uneven tyre wear on the inside edge of the nearside front tyre, or vague steering response. The 2024 advisory regarding nearside front tyre damage, cracking or perishing is particularly relevant on a low-mileage car, as tyres older than five years suffer from sidewall perishing regardless of tread depth; check the DOT date code on every tyre including the spare, and replace any rubber older than seven years outright. Inspect all four wheels for signs of seized or binding brake calipers by spinning them with the vehicle raised, look for pitted or corroded brake disc surfaces that may necessitate machining or replacement, and verify the condition of all brake hoses and flexible lines for age-related cracking. The buyer should also satisfy themselves regarding the condition of time-served components that do not depend on mileage, including the 12V auxiliary battery which typically has a service life of five to six years and would be due replacement or thorough load-testing, the condition of all underbonnet and chassis hoses, and the freshness of all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and the automatic transmission fluid, all of which degrade through age and moisture absorption. Given the undertray fitments that have historically obscured the underside, consider a borescope inspection or removal of the trays for a full examination for structural corrosion, fluid seepage from the differentials or transmission, and condition of the exhaust system including any mounting rubbers and the catalytic converter. Finally, request the full service history with stamps confirming work has been carried out at appropriate intervals by a Mercedes-Benz specialist or main dealer, as low annual mileage does not excuse missed services and the recent suspension repair should be supported by a documented invoice from a reputable garage.