2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class · 3,784 MOT tests
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliability
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 19.6% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 21 S-Class years (3,784 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- 19.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz S-Classs: 15.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 47% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 101,671
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,784
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 49% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 5.7% of tests fail here (33% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Fail rate by area
- Brakes6.9%
- Suspension6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.7%
- Tyres5.6%
- Lights and electrics3.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.7%
- Wheels0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.54%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.11%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 2.03%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.85%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.85%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.27%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.79%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.9%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.9%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.63%) · Wheel bearing slight play (5.47%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.33%)
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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs fail 19.6% of first MOT tests, 47% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 21 S-Class years (3,784 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.54% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.11% of tests), diesel engine warning light faulty (2.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class shows 101,671 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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