2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 4,045 MOT tests
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 24.6% of first MOT tests, 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 21 S-Class years (4,045 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 24.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 42% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 107,295
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,045
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.2% of tests fail here (18% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 83% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes9.2%
- Lights and electrics8.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Suspension7%
- Tyres5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Body, chassis and structure1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.92%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 2.15%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.03%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 1.61%
Excess diesel smoke can point to poor combustion or engine wear, which can be costly, so check before buying.
Parking brake efficiency under half required 1.51%
The parking brake is well below required strength and is unlikely to hold the car on a slope.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.18%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.86%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.21%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.35%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.51%)
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 24.6% of first MOT tests, 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 21 S-Class years (4,045 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.92% of tests), position lamp not working (2.15% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 107,295 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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