2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 3.7L Petrol · SL05 HAM

The vehicle currently fails the roadworthiness standard. The most recent test on 7 April 2026 at 55,799 miles returned a failure with no defects recorded, an administrative anomaly that leaves the car unroadworthy until a valid pass is issued. Prior to this, the MOT trend was stable, with passes recorded annually from 13 April 2022 at 48,244 miles through 9 April 2025 at 55,019 miles, each with no advisories or defects logged. The mileage pattern reflects very light use for a 21-year-old vehicle. The record shows 48,244 miles in April 2022 rising to 55,799 miles by April 2026, an average of roughly 1,889 miles per year across the documented period. The clean pass history with zero advisories across four consecutive tests suggests the previous keeper maintained basic test compliance, though the absence of any flagged wear items on a car of this age and standing time is atypical and may indicate short test routes rather than thorough mechanical scrutiny. A buyer must secure a fresh MOT before any road use, given the unexplained April 2026 failure. The lack of recorded advisories does not exempt the SL from age-related inspection. At 55,799 miles and two decades old, the suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers warrant physical checks for perishing from inactivity. Corrosion on structural members and brake discs should be examined closely, as low-mileage Mercedes of this era often suffer hidden rust where the car has stood unused. Verify the actual cause of the 2026 failure with the testing station, since DVSA data shows no defect listed.