1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

113 MOT tests in 2024. 76.1% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time76.1%
Failed or needed repairs23.9%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 113 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.8%
  6. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle1.8%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    7 marked dangerous
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.8%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high1.8%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics19.5%
  2. Brakes7.1%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  4. Suspension5.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks4.4%
  6. Body & chassis3.5%
  7. Tyres3.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.7%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1996 S-ClassAll S-Class years1998 S-Class →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

In 2024, 76.1% of 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 113 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).