2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 2,568 MOT tests
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26.3% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 21 S-Class years (2,568 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 26.3%
- 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 19
- 120,533
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,568
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4% of tests fail here (21% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 84% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.1%
- Brakes8.3%
- Suspension8.3%
- Tyres5.5%
- Seat belts and airbags4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.19%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.8%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.34%
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 2.14%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Position lamp not working 1.91%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.83%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.07%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.05%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.72%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.33%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.78%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (6.43%)
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26.3% of first MOT tests, 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 21 S-Class years (2,568 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.19% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.8% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.34% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 120,533 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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