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Mercedes-benz 300 sl vs Mercedes-benz A-class: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Mercedes-benz 300 sl
88%
MOT pass rate · 5 vehicles
Mercedes-benz A-class
78%
MOT pass rate · 362,612 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz 300 sl (88%) and Mercedes-benz A-class (78%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Mercedes-benz 300 sl Mercedes-benz A-class
MOT pass rate 88% ✓ 78%
MOT failure rate 12% ✓ 22%
Faults & advisories per test 0.6 ✓ 1.6
Dangerous-fault share 0% ✓ 3%
Average mileage 47,561 mi 86,210 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 5 362,612

Most common faults

Mercedes-benz 300 sl

  1. Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))
  2. Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
  3. Offside Front Inner Track rod end ball joint has excessive play drag arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))
  4. Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))
  5. Rear Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Mercedes-benz A-class

  1. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  2. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  5. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Mercedes-benz 300 sl (88%) and Mercedes-benz A-class (78%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Mercedes-benz 300 sl report Full Mercedes-benz A-class report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.