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M500 SLF

1997 Mercedes-benz Sl

Silver Petrol 4973cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires31 May 2027
Tests32 (19 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate59.4%

Mileage

121,107 mi
Last recorded121,107 miles
Recorded on1 Jun 2026
Typical for 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl79,403 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationM500 SLF
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelSl
Year1997
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,973cc
View full Mercedes-benz Sl reliability data Browse other 1997 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 1 Jun 2026 121,107 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 30 May 2025 120,598 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

Pass 17 May 2024 119,796 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear shock absorber

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

Fail 24 Oct 2023 119,797 miles

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt missing (7.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Seat belt missing (7.1.2 (a))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

Pass 1 Sep 2022 119,710 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber corroded

Fail 26 Aug 2022 119,710 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Central Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber corroded

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber corroded

Pass 6 Aug 2021 119,657 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective rubber (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

Fail 6 Aug 2021 119,657 miles

Central Exhaust mounting defective rubber (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

Pass 6 Aug 2020 118,989 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear shock absorber heavily corroded

Pass 20 Sep 2018 118,206 miles

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

Fail 20 Sep 2018 118,206 miles

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

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 21 Sep 2017 113,309 miles
Fail 15 Sep 2017 113,301 miles

Emissions not tested (7.3.A.1)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Steering component slightly corroded but serviceable steering stop (2.2.C.1d)

Pass 16 Sep 2016 108,760 miles

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 16 Sep 2016 108,760 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 18 Sep 2015 102,772 miles
Fail 18 Sep 2015 102,772 miles

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

Fail 10 Sep 2014 95,494 miles

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

diff pinion oil seal leaking

Pass 10 Sep 2014 95,494 miles

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

diff pinion oil seal leaking

Pass 17 Sep 2013 88,055 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)

Fail 11 Sep 2013 88,055 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Pass 14 Sep 2012 79,543 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Fail 14 Sep 2012 79,543 miles

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 19 Sep 2011 71,237 miles

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Fail 19 Sep 2011 71,237 miles

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

Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated (3.1.3c)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Pass 13 Sep 2010 61,374 miles
Pass 21 Sep 2009 57,097 miles

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

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

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

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

near side front tyre outer side wall has slight damage

Fail 18 Sep 2009 57,097 miles

Nearside Front coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Nearside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

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

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

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

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

near side front tyre outer side wall has slight damage

Pass 18 Feb 2009 55,212 miles
Pass 11 Jul 2007 48,901 miles

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

Pass 4 Jul 2006 44,514 miles
Fail 4 Jul 2006 44,514 miles

rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2) DANGEROUS

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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M500 SLF is a 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl in Silver with a 4,973cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 59.4%.

Across all 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl models, the average MOT pass rate is 81.5% with a typical mileage of 79,403 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 M500 SLF, 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 29 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 M500 SLF?

You can check the full history of M500 SLF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was M500 SLF registered?

M500 SLF is a 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl, first registered on 29 May 1997.

Is M500 SLF safe to buy?

The MOT history for M500 SLF 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 M500 SLF 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 M500 SLF. 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.