Is the Mercedes-Benz SL ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 22,329 MOT tests, around 43% of Mercedes-Benz SL models still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 26% are likely to be charged. For the remaining 31%, it depends on the exact Euro standard or month of registration.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 100% petrol. Petrol SL models are generally compliant from 2006, while petrol cars from 2000 or earlier are likely to be charged.
- Likely compliant
- 43%
- Likely charged
- 26%
- Depends on the car
- 31%
- MOT tests analysed
- 22,329
Check a specific SL
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
SL ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many SL models of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Petrol |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Likely compliant212 tested |
| 2019 | Likely compliant427 tested |
| 2018 | Likely compliant417 tested |
| 2017 | Likely compliant659 tested |
| 2016 | Likely compliant786 tested |
| 2015 | Likely compliant816 tested |
| 2014 | Likely compliant1,069 tested |
| 2013 | Likely compliant1,144 tested |
| 2012 | Likely compliant424 tested |
| 2011 | Likely compliant261 tested |
| 2010 | Likely compliant363 tested |
| 2009 | Likely compliant491 tested |
| 2008 | Likely compliant781 tested |
| 2007 | Likely compliant821 tested |
| 2006 | Likely compliant849 tested |
| 2005 | Check Euro standard1,190 tested |
| 2004 | Check Euro standard1,958 tested |
| 2003 | Check Euro standard2,498 tested |
| 2002 | Check Euro standard1,044 tested |
| 2001 | Check Euro standard296 tested |
| 2000 | Likely charged506 tested |
| 1999 | Likely charged554 tested |
| 1998 | Likely charged711 tested |
| 1997 | Likely charged701 tested |
| 1996 | Likely charged598 tested |
| 1995 | Likely charged564 tested |
| 1994 | Likely charged407 tested |
| 1993 | Likely charged163 tested |
| 1992 | Likely charged124 tested |
| 1991 | Likely charged123 tested |
| 1990 | Likely charged73 tested |
| 1989 | Likely charged157 tested |
| 1988 | Likely charged138 tested |
| 1987 | Likely charged112 tested |
| 1986 | Likely charged156 tested |
| 1985 | Likely charged192 tested |
| 1984 | Likely charged163 tested |
| 1983 | Likely charged129 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the SL
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006).
- Petrol (100% of SL models tested): likely compliant from 2006; 2000 and earlier are likely to be charged.
Thinking of buying one? Check how SL models fare at the MOT too: see the Mercedes-Benz SL MOT failure rate.
Buying a used Mercedes-Benz SL for London: what the MOT data shows
The Mercedes-Benz SL models in this data were first registered between 1983 and 2020. 2003 was the most common year, with 2,503 tests (11% of the total), and half were registered in 2004 or later.
SL models from likely-compliant years passed their MOT first time 85% of the time, at an average of 46,130 miles. Older ones likely to be charged passed 80% of the time with 90,345 miles on average, so a compliant car is usually the more reliable buy as well as the cheaper one to drive in London.
On a budget, the oldest petrol SL models likely to comply are from 2006. 849 of them were tested; 2006 cars passed first time 82% of the time and averaged 72,922 miles. Check the Euro standard on the V5C before you buy one from around then.
Whichever year you choose, check the SL's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were lights and electrics: "not working" (2.4% of tests); suspension: "ball joint excessively worn" (1.3%) and "fractured or broken" (1.2%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 8.6% of tests.
Overall, 83% of SL models passed first time, well above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 66,534 miles on average, fewer than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other Mercedes-Benz models
About this data
Based on 22,329 first MOT tests of the Mercedes-Benz SL carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 22,329 MOT tests say about the Mercedes-Benz SL and London's ULEZ.
Is the Mercedes-Benz SL ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 43% of SL models on the road are likely compliant and 26% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006).
Which petrol SL years are ULEZ compliant?
Petrol SL models first registered from 2006 are likely compliant. Some earlier cars meet Euro 4 too, so check the exact vehicle.
How can I check if a specific SL is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
- ULEZ · 6 min readULEZ explained: which cars are compliant and what it costsSince August 2023 the ULEZ covers every London borough. Which cars comply, what the daily charge costs if yours doesn't, and what you can do about it.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- Buying a used car · 5 min readUsed car buying checklist: 25 checks before you payA step-by-step checklist for buying a used car, from the checks you can do at home to what to look at on the day and the paperwork you need.Read the guide
Is your SL ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.