2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 1,483 MOT tests
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 29.8% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 S-Class years (1,483 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 29.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 103,589
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,483
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.9% of tests fail here (46% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.5%
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Brakes7.6%
- Body, chassis and structure6.2%
- Tyres6.1%
- Seat belts and airbags4.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.1%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.97%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.7%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.63%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.09%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 1.89%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.01%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.47%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.29%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.69%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.53%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.53%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz S-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 29.8% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 21 S-Class years (1,483 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.1% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.97% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 103,589 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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