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R461 OEB

1997 Mercedes-benz Sl

Black Petrol 3199cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires23 May 2026
Tests17 (12 pass, 5 fail)
Pass rate70.6%

Mileage

178,790 mi
Last recorded178,790 miles
Recorded on24 May 2025
Typical for 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl79,403 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationR461 OEB
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelSl
Year1997
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,199cc

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

12 pass 5 fail
Pass 24 May 2025 178,790 miles

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

Nearside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Front Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Lower 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))

UNDER BODY CORROSION

exhaust system corroded

Fail 10 Jun 2024 178,787 miles

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

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

Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Rear Registration plate insecure (0.1 (a))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Vehicle structure or chassis has excessive corrosion to the extent that overall security or stability of the body is impaired (6.2.2 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both sides (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorber corroded

Offside Front Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorber corroded

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

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

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

Rear Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded Front to Rear ()

Pass 26 Apr 2023 178,126 miles
Pass 26 Apr 2022 177,619 miles

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Fail 15 Apr 2022 177,505 miles

Rear Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front subframe corroded front and rear surface rust

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Pass 4 Mar 2021 177,024 miles

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

Front Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced all over under neath (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 27 Aug 2019 175,715 miles

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 18 Apr 2018 174,794 miles

Oil leak ()

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

front and rear suspension corroded

Fail 18 Apr 2018 174,794 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Oil leak ()

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

front and rear suspension corroded

Pass 30 Dec 2011 152,448 miles

Centre Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

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

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 4 Nov 2010 145,738 miles
Pass 11 Nov 2009 138,734 miles

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

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

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

slight damage to n/s/f tyre outer sidewall

Fail 10 Nov 2009 138,728 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

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

slight damage to n/s/f tyre outer sidewall

Pass 25 Sep 2008 123,963 miles
Fail 19 Sep 2008 123,865 miles

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Pass 10 Sep 2007 115,011 miles
Pass 5 Oct 2006 104,514 miles

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

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

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

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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R461 OEB is a 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl in Black with a 3,199cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 17 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70.6%.

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 R461 OEB, 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 R461 OEB?

You can check the full history of R461 OEB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R461 OEB registered?

R461 OEB is a 1997 Mercedes-benz Sl, first registered on 12 September 1997.

Is R461 OEB safe to buy?

The MOT history for R461 OEB shows 17 tests with a 70.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R461 OEB 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 R461 OEB. 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.