1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 350 Sl Auto models manufactured in 1980, based on 453 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 350 Sl Auto cars tested in 1980. Want to see how cars built in 1980 hold up over time?
View 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto vintage page → (60.4% current pass rate)1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto MOT Analysis
The 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.1% based on 453 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,357 miles on the odometer. With a 34.9% failure rate, the 1980 350 Sl Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto is Body, Structure and General Items, responsible for 0.9% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Suspension is the second most common issue at 0.4%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 0.4%.
Top failures specific to 1980 models only. The overall 350 Sl Auto page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Body, Structure And General Items | 0.9% | 4 |
| 2 | Suspension | 0.4% | 2 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.4% | 2 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.2% | 1 |
| 5 | Non-component Advisories | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 98,357 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.09 | 0.9% | 4 |
| Suspension | 0.04 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.04 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.1% based on 453 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,357 miles on the odometer. With a 34.9% failure rate, the 1980 350 Sl Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, structure and general items: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. With an average mileage of 98,357 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Body, Structure and General Items — 0.9% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Suspension — 0.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Driver's View of the Road — 0.4% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1980 Mercedes 350 Sl Auto models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.