Mercedes-Benz SLC reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz SLC is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 113 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 185 of 442, and 13.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (2.5% of tests).
Ranked 185 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 8,937 Mercedes-Benz SLCs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 13.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz SLC is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 8.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
13.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
8.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,200
Typical age at test: 7 years
Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz SLC MOT faults
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.5% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.1% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz SLC fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 3.3% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 1.9% | ▼ 47% less often |
| Brakes | 1.5% | ▼ 47% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.2% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Visibility | 0.8% | ▼ 76% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▲ 3.5× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 61% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 86% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.1% | ▼ 90% less often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz SLC do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz SLC ranges from 36.2 to 64.2mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2018). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Any Mercedes-Benz SLC first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz SLC registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £410 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz SLC specs and running costs
Official figures for 14 versions sold in the UK between 2018 and 2018.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
36.2–64.2 mpg
CO2
114–178 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLC SLC 250 d with 17'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 114g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 250 d with 18'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 114g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 180 with 17'' rear wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 132g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 180 with 17'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 133g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 180 with 18'' rear wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 132g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 180 with 18'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 48.7 mpg | 133g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 200 with 17'' rear wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 150g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 200 with 17'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 137g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 200 with 18'' rear wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 150g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 200 with 18'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 137g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 300 with 17'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.1 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 300 with 18'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 47.1 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| SLC AMG SLC 43 with 18'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 178g | £200 |
| SLC SLC 200 with 18'' rear wheelsA8-AWD · listed 2018 | Petrol | 40.4 mpg | 160g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Mercedes-Benz SLC costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 47.9mpg…
- diesel, typical official 64.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz SLCBuying a used Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz SLC reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz SLC is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 113 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz SLC?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has ply or cords exposed”, found in 2.5% of tests. It fails on tyres more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz SLC do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz SLC ranges from 36.2 to 64.2mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2018). A typical petrol version manages 47.9mpg and a typical diesel 64.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz SLC?
Any Mercedes-Benz SLC first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz SLC registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £410 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz SLCs fail their MOT?
13.7% of Mercedes-Benz SLCs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 8.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz SLC combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.