2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Wheel bearings5.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  2.7% All 2017 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  3.7% All 2017 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Link ball joint covers4.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  2.1% All 2017 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheels2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  2.2% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz SLC

  2.6% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Suspension
  12% 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.

• Brakes
  9% 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
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  2% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  1% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?