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BNZ 9870

1996 Mercedes-benz Sl

Green Petrol 4973cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires29 Apr 2027
Tests32 (19 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate59.4%

Mileage

147,801 mi
Last recorded147,801 miles
Recorded on30 Apr 2026
Typical for 1996 Mercedes-benz Sl82,468 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationBNZ 9870
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelSl
Year1996
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,973cc
View full Mercedes-benz Sl reliability data Browse other 1996 Mercedes-benz Sl registrations

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 13 fail
Pass 30 Apr 2026 147,801 miles

Front Coil spring corroded Both front coil springs slightly corroded. (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Generalised corrosion to underside of vehicle. Mainly surface corrosion. Floor, Braces and front frames.

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Rear Corrosion to rear axel and general suspension on rear of vehicle.

Fail 10 Apr 2026 147,798 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Central Rear Floor pan corroded around where stabilisers bolt too

Fog lamp switch insecure

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 8 Apr 2025 147,275 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear fog lamp switch slightly insecure

Fail 7 Apr 2025 147,269 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Rear fog lamp switch slightly insecure

Pass 4 Apr 2024 146,163 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 4 Apr 2024 146,162 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 30 Mar 2023 145,665 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear EXHAUST CORRODED

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 30 Mar 2023 145,665 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear EXHAUST CORRODED

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 4 Jan 2022 145,082 miles

EXHAUST SYSTEM CORRODED

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material FRONT TO REAR (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive SLIGHT LEAK FROM DIFFERENTIAL (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 15 Dec 2020 144,401 miles

Front SUSPENSION COMPONENTS RUSTY

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material FRONT TO REAR (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (e))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 3 Jul 2019 142,113 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear TYRE WORN CLOSE TO TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material FRONT TO REAR (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear TYRE WORN CLOSE TO TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 19 Jun 2018 139,108 miles

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material FRONT TO REAR (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 19 Jun 2018 139,108 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material FRONT TO REAR (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 22 Jun 2017 137,658 miles

EXHAUST SYSTEM CORRODED

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

SLIGHT LEAK FROM DIFF

Pass 8 Jun 2016 133,804 miles

GENERAL UNDER BODY RUST

Fail 7 Jun 2016 133,804 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

GENERAL UNDER BODY RUST

Pass 2 Jul 2015 130,389 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Outer Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

general underbody corrosion

nearside front tyre worn on edge and near wear bars

rear suspension components corroded slightly

slight leak from rear diff area

Pass 3 Jul 2014 128,037 miles

nearside front tyre worn on edge

Fail 3 Jul 2014 128,037 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

nearside front tyre worn on edge

Pass 5 Jul 2013 124,572 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

both front tyres worn on edges

Fail 5 Jul 2013 124,572 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

both front tyres worn on edges

Fail 18 Nov 2010 118,696 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

engine oil leak

signs of offside front tyre fouling wheel arch

transmission oil leak

Pass 18 Nov 2010 118,696 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

engine oil leak

signs of offside front tyre fouling wheel arch

transmission oil leak

Fail 21 Aug 2009 112,784 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 21 Aug 2009 112,784 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 18 Jun 2008 108,388 miles
Fail 18 Jun 2008 108,388 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 13 Sep 2007 96,967 miles
Fail 13 Sep 2007 96,967 miles

Offside Rear Wheel stud(s) missing (4.2.A.1e)

Pass 31 Oct 2006 94,579 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 9 Nov 2005 89,583 miles
Fail 27 Oct 2005 89,583 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

advise on front brake disc and pads wear

advised on n/s/f inner tread wear

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz Sl?

Based on 528,820 MOT tests across 35,553 vehicles.

83.4%
Pass Rate
2,023
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
35,553
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 8,801
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 3,812
Brake pipe excessively corroded 3,463
Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 3,077
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 2,767
Full Mercedes-benz Sl reliability report

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BNZ 9870 is a 1996 Mercedes-benz Sl in Green with a 4,973cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 59.4%.

Across all 1996 Mercedes-benz Sl models, the average MOT pass rate is 82.3% with a typical mileage of 82,468 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz Sl fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 8,801 recorded failures. If you're considering buying BNZ 9870, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz Sl typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 30 years old, this Mercedes-benz Sl is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of BNZ 9870?

You can check the full history of BNZ 9870 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BNZ 9870 registered?

BNZ 9870 is a 1996 Mercedes-benz Sl, first registered on 30 December 1996.

Is BNZ 9870 safe to buy?

The MOT history for BNZ 9870 shows 32 tests with a 59.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BNZ 9870 have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on BNZ 9870. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.