2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 4,410 MOT tests
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 22.6% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 21 S-Class years (4,410 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 22.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 106,947
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,410
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 87% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes8.1%
- Suspension6.9%
- Lights and electrics6.8%
- Tyres5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.5%
- Body, chassis and structure1.1%
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.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 1.79%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.79%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.54%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.41%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.29%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.24%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.84%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.8%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.01%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.49%)
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 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 22.6% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 21 S-Class years (4,410 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.9% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2% of tests), position lamp not working (1.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 106,947 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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