2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 2,721 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 21 S-Class years (2,721 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 26%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 41% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 116,835
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,721
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.2% of tests fail here (26% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 77% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.8%
- Suspension8.7%
- Brakes6%
- Tyres5.6%
- Seat belts and airbags4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Body, chassis and structure2.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.9%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.9%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.57%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.13%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Position lamp not working 1.69%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 1.69%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.52%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.74%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.98%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.58%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (6.47%)
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 21 S-Class years (2,721 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.9% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.9% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.57% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 116,835 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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