Used car guide

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLSs, from 116 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 116 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

116MOT tests in 2025
98%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
1,300typical miles a year
11%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    11% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    3% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    1% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Steering
    1% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010108Tyres 9%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLSs registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score