2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 2,397 MOT tests
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 25.3% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 21 S-Class years (2,397 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 25.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 126,618
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,397
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (74% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 85% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.8%
- Suspension8.6%
- Brakes7.8%
- Tyres5.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Steering2.6%
- Seat belts and airbags1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.25%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.38%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.17%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Side repeater not working 2%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.79%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.75%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.98%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.27%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.93%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.76%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.67%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.05%)
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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 25.3% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 21 S-Class years (2,397 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.25% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.38% of tests), position lamp not working (2.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 126,618 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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