1972 Mercedes 350sl MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 350sl models manufactured in 1972, based on 47 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1972 Mercedes 350sl MOT Analysis
The 1972 Mercedes 350sl has an MOT pass rate of 66.0% based on 47 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 114,787 miles on the odometer. With a 34.0% failure rate, the 1972 350sl is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1972 Mercedes 350sl is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 4.3% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Brakes is the second most common issue at 2.1%. Visibility follows at 2.1%.
Top failures specific to 1972 models only. The overall 350sl 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 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 4.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.1% | 1 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 114,787 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.37 | 4.3% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.19 | 2.1% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.19 | 2.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1972 Mercedes 350sl has an MOT pass rate of 66.0% based on 47 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 114,787 miles on the odometer. With a 34.0% failure rate, the 1972 350sl is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1972 Mercedes 350sl, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With an average mileage of 114,787 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 4.3% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 4.3% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 350sl models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Brakes — 2.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.1% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 350sl models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Visibility — 2.1% of failures
Visibility issues account for 2.1% of MOT failures on 1972 Mercedes 350sl models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.