2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 3,482 MOT tests
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26.6% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 S-Class years (3,482 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 26.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 104,567
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,482
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: 49% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.6% of tests fail here (36% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes10%
- Suspension7.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
- Lights and electrics6.4%
- Tyres6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Body, chassis and structure1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.59%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 3.42%
Excess diesel smoke can point to poor combustion or engine wear, which can be costly, so check before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.73%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.27%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.07%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.55%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.73%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.21%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.53%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.35%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.09%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.66%)
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 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 26.6% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 21 S-Class years (3,482 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.59% of tests), diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 (3.42% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 104,567 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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