2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 3,543 MOT tests
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 20.2% of first MOT tests, 49% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 21 S-Class years (3,543 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 20.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 49% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 103,606
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,543
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- 2011 cars: 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes8.7%
- Suspension6.7%
- Tyres4.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.3%
- Lights and electrics3.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
- Wheels0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.44%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.17%
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 1.67%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.5%
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 1.24%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 1.21%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.19%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.35%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.73%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.11%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.94%)
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 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 20.2% of first MOT tests, 49% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 21 S-Class years (3,543 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.44% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.17% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 103,606 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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