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51 SL

1982 Mercedes-benz 280

Silver Petrol 2746cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires1 Feb 2027
Tests19 (18 pass, 1 fail)
Pass rate94.7%

Mileage

17,174 mi
Last recorded17,174 miles
Recorded on2 Feb 2026
Typical for 1982 Mercedes-benz 28099,840 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

Registration51 SL
MakeMercedes-benz
Model280
Year1982
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,746cc

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50+ data points
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MOT History

18 pass 1 fail
Pass 2 Feb 2026 17,174 miles
Pass 1 Apr 2025 16,916 miles
Pass 5 Sep 2022 16,070 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Lower flange (6.1.2 (a))

Front Prop shaft flexible coupling slightly deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 8 Sep 2021 15,648 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases front pipe lower flange (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 26 Aug 2020 15,284 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Manifold/down pipe area (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 23 Jul 2019 14,999 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Manifold area (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 2 Jul 2018 14,777 miles

Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 30 Jun 2017 14,406 miles
Pass 7 Jul 2016 14,056 miles
Pass 30 Jun 2015 13,793 miles
Pass 25 Jun 2014 13,663 miles

Oil leak

slight exhaust blow around manifold/downpipe area

Pass 27 Jun 2013 13,469 miles

Bonded suspension unit deteriorated but can function as intended (2.4.F.3)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

Pass 9 Jul 2012 13,175 miles
Pass 22 Jul 2011 12,861 miles
Pass 19 Jul 2010 12,109 miles
Pass 23 Jul 2009 12,053 miles
Fail 13 Jul 2009 12,053 miles

Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 26 Jun 2008 11,979 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 9 May 2007 11,862 miles

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz 280?

Based on 54,248 MOT tests across 5,905 vehicles.

73.2%
Pass Rate
741
Miles/Year
58
Year Lifespan
5,905
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded 2,691
Brake pipe excessively corroded 1,358
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 1,312
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1,266
Headlamp aim too low 1,161
Full Mercedes-benz 280 reliability report

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51 SL is a 1982 Mercedes-benz 280 in Silver with a 2,746cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 19 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 94.7%.

Across all 1982 Mercedes-benz 280 models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.0% with a typical mileage of 99,840 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz 280 fails its MOT is suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded, accounting for 2,691 recorded failures. If you're considering buying 51 SL, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz 280 typically stays on UK roads for around 58 years. At 44 years old, this Mercedes-benz 280 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of 51 SL?

You can check the full history of 51 SL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was 51 SL registered?

51 SL is a 1982 Mercedes-benz 280, first registered on 8 January 1982.

Is 51 SL safe to buy?

The MOT history for 51 SL shows 19 tests with a 94.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does 51 SL have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on 51 SL. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.