CarVerify

Free Car Check

S788 JBA

1998 Mercedes-benz Sl

Silver Petrol 3199cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires19 Jun 2027
Tests30 (21 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate70%

Mileage

191,838 mi
Last recorded191,838 miles
Recorded on12 Jun 2026
Typical for 1998 Mercedes-benz Sl74,108 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationS788 JBA
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelSl
Year1998
ColourSilver
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

21 pass 9 fail
Pass 12 Jun 2026 191,838 miles

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 Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Bonding perished (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Applies to both upper and lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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 Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Bonding perished (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Applies to both upper and lower (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear fuel hose deteriorated

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Pass 20 Jun 2025 190,515 miles

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

Fuel hose deteriorated (6.1.3 (c) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Rubber bonding deteriorated (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Both upper and lower rods (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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 Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Inner edge (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Rubber bonding deteriorated (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (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 Nail in tyre

Offside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Both upper and lower rods (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Fail 13 Jun 2025 190,515 miles

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced Seat attachment point on floor underneath (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Fuel hose deteriorated (6.1.3 (c) (ii))

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 Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Rubber bonding deteriorated (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Both upper and lower rods (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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 Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Inner edge (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush Rubber bonding deteriorated (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (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 Nail in tyre

Offside Rear Suspension rod corroded but not seriously weakened Both upper and lower rods (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Pass 18 Jun 2024 189,665 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases box skin rotted (6.1.2 (a))

Fuel hose deteriorated (6.1.3 (c) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Nearside Front brake back plate rotted

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

Offside Front Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Rear brake back plate rotted

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

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

plastic trims covering sills

Pass 9 Jun 2023 189,245 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Front Upper shock absorber mounting rubber bonding separating.

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))

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

Offside Front Upper shock absorber mounting rubber bonding separating

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))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Also covered in underseal (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear differential leaking slightly

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Fail 7 Jun 2023 189,245 miles

Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Front Upper shock absorber mounting rubber bonding separating.

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))

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

Offside Front Upper shock absorber mounting rubber bonding separating

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))

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

Rear Sub-frame is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Also covered in underseal (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear differential leaking slightly

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Pass 13 Jun 2022 184,978 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all rear brake pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Coolant leak top of radiator n/s

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Front strut top mount rubber deteriorated and cracking

Offside Front fog lamp inoperative

Offside Front strut top mount excessively deteriorated and peeling away from mount housing. Bracket preventing mount from becoming insecure

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

all coil springs slightly corroded

central rear exhaust box outer skin corroded, insecure and rattling

front and rear chassis covered in underseal

mil lamp inoperative

slight play in steering box/idler arm

wiper smearing screen

Pass 10 Jun 2021 181,152 miles

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

Coolant leak

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Front strut top mount rubber split

Offside Front strut top mount rubber badly torn

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

central rear exhaust box outer skin corroded, insecure and rattling

mil lamp inop?

offside and nearside front and rear coil springs corroded

slight play in steering box/idler arm

Fail 9 Jun 2021 181,151 miles

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Sound deadening material insecure under bonnet (8.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Coolant leak

Fuel Pipe/s corroded

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

Nearside Front strut top mount rubber split

Offside Front strut top mount rubber badly torn

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

central rear exhaust box outer skin corroded, insecure and rattling

mil lamp inop?

offside and nearside front and rear coil springs corroded

slight play in steering box/idler arm

Pass 17 Jun 2020 179,073 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both offside and nearside rear from the front (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear tyre tread depth 2.5mm

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Macpherson strut mounting damaged but not seriously weakened strut mount rubber split and coming away from outer housing (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

centre rear exhaust box outer skin corroded and rattling

slight engine oil leak and slight leak on rear diff

Fail 11 Jun 2020 178,930 miles

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both offside and nearside rear from the front (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear tyre tread depth 2.5mm

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Upper Macpherson strut mounting damaged but not seriously weakened strut mount rubber split and coming away from outer housing (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

centre rear exhaust box outer skin corroded and rattling

slight engine oil leak and slight leak on rear diff

Pass 13 Jun 2019 169,671 miles

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

exhaust deteriorated

slight leak from steering box

wiper fouling on body

Fail 7 Jun 2019 169,668 miles

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

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

exhaust deteriorated

slight leak from steering box

wiper fouling on body

Pass 26 Jun 2018 157,351 miles

Nearside Front play in bearing

Offside Front wiper fouling body

leak on steering box

offside front and nearside tyres wearing on inner edges

Fail 22 Jun 2018 157,348 miles

Central Drag link end ball joint has excessive play arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Brake prescribed area is excessively corroded inner wing Around abs pump (1.1.21 (e) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Undertray likely to become detached inner wheel arch (6.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front play in bearing

Offside Front wiper fouling body

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

leak on steering box

offside front and nearside tyres wearing on inner edges

Pass 30 Jun 2017 144,744 miles

Central exhaust box corroed

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

Nearside Rear shocker plastic cover insecure

Offside Rear Nail in tyre

both rear coil springs corroded

slight play in steering box

Fail 30 Jun 2017 144,744 miles

Central exhaust box corroed

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear shocker plastic cover insecure

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Nail in tyre

both rear coil springs corroded

slight play in steering box

Pass 5 Jul 2016 132,322 miles
Pass 29 Jun 2015 119,450 miles

corrosion on brake and fuel lines

corrosion underbody

exhaust corroded

os mirror glas deteriorated

osr tyre just abouve legal limit

stonechips in windscreen

Pass 3 Jul 2014 106,628 miles

corrosion on brake pipes

front no plate cracked

oil leak from engine

os wing mirror glass deteriorated

serpentine belt cracling

Pass 26 Jun 2013 93,798 miles

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

Fail 5 Jul 2012 84,875 miles

Front Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

brake pipes corroded

exhaust corroded

Pass 5 Jul 2012 84,875 miles

brake pipes corroded

exhaust corroded

Pass 5 Jul 2011 77,936 miles

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

exhaust deteriorated

slightest play n/s/f wheel bearing

Pass 15 Jul 2010 70,962 miles
Pass 17 Jul 2009 63,638 miles

rear tyres low

Pass 18 Jul 2008 57,424 miles
Pass 25 Jul 2007 53,811 miles

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

Fail 25 Jul 2007 53,811 miles

Rear Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 21 Jul 2006 48,506 miles

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

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

S788 JBA is a 1998 Mercedes-benz Sl in Silver with a 3,199cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70%.

Across all 1998 Mercedes-benz Sl models, the average MOT pass rate is 82.5% with a typical mileage of 74,108 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 S788 JBA, 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 28 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 S788 JBA?

You can check the full history of S788 JBA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S788 JBA registered?

S788 JBA is a 1998 Mercedes-benz Sl, first registered on 4 August 1998.

Is S788 JBA safe to buy?

The MOT history for S788 JBA shows 30 tests with a 70% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S788 JBA 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 S788 JBA. 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.