1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

165 MOT tests in 2024. 69.7% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time69.7%
Failed or needed repairs30.3%
Typical mileage at test98,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 165 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.1%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.0%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.4%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.8%
  5. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour1.8%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.8%
  7. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush1.2%
  8. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated1.2%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively damaged significantly reducing structural strength1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics12.7%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.1%
  3. Brakes9.7%
  4. Suspension9.7%
  5. Seat belts & airbags4.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.2%
  7. Body & chassis4.2%
  8. Tyres3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.1%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

In 2024, 69.7% of 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 165 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).