92.7% of Mercedes-Benz S models passed the 2024 MOT (based on 1,752 first tests): 91.7% at the first attempt and 1.0% after a fix at the test centre (PRS). About 1 in 10 failed the first attempt. For its age, it fails 32% less often than normal: MOT Risk Index 68.0 (95% CI 58.2–79.3; 100 = normal).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 92.7 | % | incl. 1.0% fixed at the test centre | 2024 | 1752 |
| Passed at the first attempt | 91.7 | % | all first tests | 2024 | 1752 |
| MOT Risk Index (95% CI 58.2–79.3) | 68.0 | index | 100 = normal for its age · rank 176 of 761 (1 = fails least for its age) | 2024 | 1752 |
| Biggest excess: Tyres | 7.0 | per 100 | 5.7 same-age | 2019–2024 | 4449 |
| Dangerous defects | 6.3 | per 100 | 11.2 UK, not age-adjusted | 2019–2024 | 4449 |
| Advisory items | 55.9 | per 100 | 127.1 UK, not age-adjusted | 2019–2024 | 4449 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | 176 | of 761 | published models, 1 = fails least for its age | 2024 | 1752 |
| Best rank within its 95% interval | 127 | rank | other models held where they are | 2024 | 1752 |
| Worst rank within its 95% interval | 252 | rank | other models held where they are | 2024 | 1752 |
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index changed from 63.5 to 68.0 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed.
Mercedes-Benz S MOTs fail most often on tyres: 7 per 100 tests, against 5.7 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 4,449).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7 | per 100 | 5.7 | 2019–2024 | 310 |
| Visibility | 3.7 | per 100 | 4.9 | 2019–2024 | 164 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.5 | per 100 | 6.4 | 2019–2024 | 155 |
| Suspension | 3.2 | per 100 | 4.5 | 2019–2024 | 144 |
| Brakes | 2.3 | per 100 | 4.8 | 2019–2024 | 101 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,449 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
The biggest excess for the Mercedes-Benz S is tyres at age 3: 5.5 failures per 100 tests, against 4.2 for same-age cars of comparable models (2019–2024, n = 1,138).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres, age 3 | 5.5 | per 100 | 4.2 | 2019–2024 | 1138 |
| Brakes, age 3 | 0.7 | per 100 | 1.8 | 2019–2024 | 1138 |
| Suspension, age 3 | 0.3 | per 100 | 0.6 | 2019–2024 | 1138 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Mercedes-Benz S MOTs flag tyres most: 27.9 advisories per 100 tests, against 39.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 4,449).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 27.9 | per 100 | 39.7 | 2019–2024 | 1242 |
| Brakes | 15.6 | per 100 | 34.7 | 2019–2024 | 693 |
| Suspension | 4.6 | per 100 | 26.2 | 2019–2024 | 205 |
| Non-component advisories | 2.1 | per 100 | 7.8 | 2019–2024 | 94 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.3 | per 100 | 5.2 | 2019–2024 | 58 |
| Body, chassis, structure | 1.2 | per 100 | 4.6 | 2019–2024 | 55 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,449 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
For Mercedes-Benz S models aged under 3 whose last MOT was a pass, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is tyres: 3.3% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 1,032).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass | 3.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1032 | |
| Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass | 1.6 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 1032 | |
| Tyres, under 3 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 173 cars) | 6.9 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 173 | |
| Visibility, under 3 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 173 cars) | 4.6 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 173 | |
| Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass | 3.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 692 | |
| Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass | 1.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 692 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass | 1.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 692 | |
| Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass | 1.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 692 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass | 1.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 692 | |
| Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 194 cars) | 6.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 194 | |
| Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 194 cars) | 5.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 194 | |
| Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory (rough estimate: 194 cars) | 3.1 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 194 | |
| Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail (rough estimate: 83 cars) | 8.4 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 83 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after a pass (rough estimate: 58 cars) | 12.1 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 58 | |
| Suspension, 20 years or older, after a pass (rough estimate: 58 cars) | 10.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 58 | |
| Suspension, 20 years or older, after an advisory (rough estimate: 71 cars) | 18.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 71 | |
| Visibility, 20 years or older, after an advisory (rough estimate: 71 cars) | 12.7 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 71 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after an advisory (rough estimate: 71 cars) | 11.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 71 | |
| Tyres, 20 years or older, after an advisory (rough estimate: 71 cars) | 7.0 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 71 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after a fail (rough estimate: 61 cars) | 21.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 61 | |
| Suspension, 20 years or older, after a fail (rough estimate: 61 cars) | 21.3 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 61 | |
| Visibility, 20 years or older, after a fail (rough estimate: 61 cars) | 11.5 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 61 | |
| Brakes, 20 years or older, after a fail (rough estimate: 61 cars) | 8.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 61 | |
| Tyres, 20 years or older, after a fail (rough estimate: 61 cars) | 8.2 | % next fail | 2019–2024 | 61 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
The Mercedes-Benz S gets a dangerous defect less often than the UK average: 6.3 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 12.0 major and 4.7 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous defects | 6.3 | per 100 | 11.2 | 2019–2024 | 4449 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,449 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id; severity not recorded for some 2018–2021 tests · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
First-time MOT failures for the Mercedes-Benz S go from 6.6% at age 3 to 10.1% at age 5 (rough estimate: 119 tests, 95% interval 5.9–16.8%), against 15.1% for all cars aged 5 (rough estimate: 119 tests, 95% interval 5.9–16.8%) (2024, n = 1,752).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 | 6.6 | % failed first time | 12.4 | 2024 | 504 |
| Age 4 (rough estimate: 438 tests, 95% interval 7.6–13.2%) | 10.1 | % failed first time | 13.1 | 2024 | 438 |
| Age 5 (rough estimate: 119 tests, 95% interval 5.9–16.8%) | 10.1 | % failed first time | 15.1 | 2024 | 119 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
At every age shown, Mercedes-Benz S models fail first time no more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 6, where they fail less often: 11% against 16.1% (2024, n = 300).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 | 8.2 | % fail | 10.8 | 2024 | 1138 |
| Age 4 | 9.0 | % fail | 12.3 | 2024 | 742 |
| Age 5 | 10.7 | % fail | 14.2 | 2024 | 431 |
| Age 6 | 11 | % fail | 16.1 | 2024 | 300 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Mercedes-Benz S build years range from index 86.0 to 115.3 against the model's own age norm of 100 (2019–2024, n = 1,752).
No Mercedes-Benz S build year stands out once age is allowed for; every year's interval includes normal.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Build year 2019 (rough estimate: 233 tests, 95% interval 46.3–125.7) | 86 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 233 |
| Build year 2020 (rough estimate: 873 tests, 95% interval 91.4–139.1) | 115.3 | index vs own age | 100 = normal | 2019–2024 | 873 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Expected repair cost per Mercedes-Benz S MOT: about £20 (up to about £39 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 1,752).
Computed, not measured.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected repair bill | 20.4 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Estimated range lower | 20.4 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Estimated range upper | 38.8 | GBP estimate | modal price catalogue | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Tyres: Tyre (single mid-range 16" fitted) | 6.3 | GBP expected contribution | 90 | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner) | 5.8 | GBP expected contribution | 180 | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid) | 4.9 | GBP expected contribution | 140 | price catalogue | 1752 |
| Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback) | 3.5 | GBP expected contribution | 150 | price catalogue | 1752 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of 8 similar models, 6 fail less often for their age than the Mercedes-Benz S and 2 as often or more. The Mercedes-Benz S has an MOT Risk Index of 68.0, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 1,752).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz S (this model) | 68 | index | 100 = normal | 2024 | 1752 |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 67.2 | index | 68 | 2024 | 1396 |
| Mercedes-Benz G | 60.4 | index | 68 | 2024 | 1523 |
| Mercedes-Benz R-Class | 78.7 | index | 68 | 2024 | 2065 |
| Mercedes-Benz GL | 61.5 | index | 68 | 2024 | 3626 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLS | 78.1 | index | 68 | 2024 | 2759 |
| Toyota Camry | 63.2 | index | 68 | 2024 | 1736 |
| Mercedes-Benz CL | 54.8 | index | 68 | 2024 | 3060 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Quattroporte | 61.6 | index | 68 | 2024 | 1337 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
At age 3, the median Mercedes-Benz S had covered 31,128 miles by its MOT; the middle half ranged from 18,608 to 49,039 miles (2024, n = 504).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 median | 31128 | miles | 2024 | 504 | |
| Age 3 P25 | 18608 | miles | 2024 | 504 | |
| Age 3 P75 | 49039 | miles | 2024 | 504 | |
| Age 4 median (rough estimate) | 49686 | miles | 2024 | 438 | |
| Age 4 P25 (rough estimate) | 33704 | miles | 2024 | 438 | |
| Age 4 P75 (rough estimate) | 65591 | miles | 2024 | 438 | |
| Age 5 median (rough estimate) | 43794 | miles | 2024 | 119 | |
| Age 5 P25 (rough estimate) | 26599 | miles | 2024 | 119 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 5 P75 (rough estimate) | 72345 | miles | 2024 | 119 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
At ages 3–5, 8.5% of Mercedes-Benz S models with under 40,000 miles failed first time, against 6.5% of those with 70,000 to 100,000 miles (2024, n = 641). No clear mileage gap inside this age group, among cars still being tested.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3–5, <40k miles | 8.5 | % failed first time | 2024 | 517 | |
| Age 3–5, 40-70k miles (rough estimate: 369 tests, 95% interval 6.4–12.3%) | 8.9 | % failed first time | 2024 | 369 | |
| Age 3–5, 70-100k miles (rough estimate: 124 tests, 95% interval 3.3–12.2%) | 6.5 | % failed first time | 2024 | 124 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
10.9% of Mercedes-Benz S models tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 2.8% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 485).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100,000 miles (rough estimate: 485 tests, 95% interval 10.1–11.9%) | 10.9 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 485 | |
| 150,000 miles (rough estimate: 122 tests, 95% interval 2.3–3.3%) | 2.8 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 122 | |
| 200,000 miles (rough estimate: 26 tests, 95% interval 0.4–0.9%) | 0.6 | % of tested cars | 2024 | 26 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Matched on annual mileage as well as age, the Mercedes-Benz S index is 54.9, against 62.3 on age alone (2019–2024, n = 1,752).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age and mileage adjusted index | 54.9 | index | 62.3 | 2019–2024 | 1752 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
No Mercedes-Benz S engine band clearly fails less or more for its age: the capacity bands are within 5 index points of each other or their 95% intervals overlap (2024, n = 1,752).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel over 2.0 litre (rough estimate: 2,919 tests, 95% interval 88.4–111.9) | 99.5 | index vs model norm | 100 = model average | 2024 | 2919 |
| Petrol over 2.0 litre (rough estimate: 505 tests, 95% interval 87.1–116.1) | 100.9 | index vs model norm | 100 = model average | 2024 | 505 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
No postcode area stands out for the Mercedes-Benz S: every area is within 3 points of its 10.0% first-time failure rate across Britain in 2019–2024, or within the margin of error (2024).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham (B) (rough estimate: 111 tests, 95% interval 9.8–23.2%) | 15.3 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 111 |
| Southend-on-Sea (SS) (rough estimate: 133 tests, 95% interval 6.4–16.9%) | 10.5 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 133 |
| Harrow (HA) (rough estimate: 158 tests, 95% interval 4.9–13.6%) | 8.2 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 158 |
| Slough (SL) (rough estimate: 126 tests, 95% interval 1.2–7.9%) | 3.2 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 126 |
| London E (E) (rough estimate: 153 tests, 95% interval 1.4–7.4%) | 3.3 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 153 |
| London W (W) (rough estimate: 179 tests, 95% interval 2.3–8.6%) | 4.5 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 179 |
| London NW (NW) (rough estimate: 427 tests, 95% interval 4.8–9.6%) | 6.8 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 427 |
| Uxbridge (UB) (rough estimate: 249 tests, 95% interval 3.7–9.7%) | 6.0 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 249 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twickenham (TW) (rough estimate: 184 tests, 95% interval 3.0–9.7%) | 5.4 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 184 |
| London N (N) (rough estimate: 134 tests, 95% interval 2.1–9.4%) | 4.5 | % fail first time | 8.3 | 2024 | 134 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
An estimated 97.1% of Mercedes-Benz S models tested are likely ULEZ-compliant, judged from fuel type and first-use date; check a specific car with TfL's vehicle checker (2024).
Computed, not measured.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Likely compliant | 97.1 | % estimate | 2024 | 1752 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of Mercedes-Benz S models with at least three MOTs, 59.8% had three in a row without an advisory, and 5.7% got the same advisory at three or more MOTs (2019–2024, n = 635).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean MOT streak | 59.8 | % | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 635 |
| Repeat advisory | 5.7 | % | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 635 |
| Decreasing odometer | 0.5 | % mileage anomaly | observed chains | 2019–2024 | 1311 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Mercedes-Benz S models aged 5 to 6 doing under 5,000 miles a year failed first time in 9.6% of tests, against 11.5% for those doing 8,000 to 12,000 miles (2019–2024, n = 94).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-use first-time failure | 9.6 | % | 11.5 | 2019–2024 | 94 |
| Low-use gap | -1.9 | percentage points | 8–12k miles | 2019–2024 | 94 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Mercedes-Benz S models aged 5 are forecast to keep taking MOTs for at least 1.4 more years; the survival curve is observed only until age 7, so the true figure is likely higher.
Computed, not measured.
Forecast, not a prediction for a particular car.
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 5 (at least; observed only until age 7) | 1.4 | years forecast | survival forecast | 0 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: survival forecast · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
In 2024, at least as many Mercedes-Benz S models were tested at age 4 as at ages 4 to 6 (2024, n = 742).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 (at least as many as at ages 4–6) | 100 | % of age 4–6 baseline | 2024 | 1138 | |
| Age 4 | 100 | % of age 4–6 baseline | 2024 | 742 | |
| Age 5 | 58.1 | % of age 4–6 baseline | 2024 | 431 | |
| Age 6 | 40.4 | % of age 4–6 baseline | 2024 | 300 | |
| Age 7 (rough estimate: 97 tests, 95% interval 7.2–20.4%) | 13.1 | % of age 4–6 baseline | 2024 | 97 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
14.1% of Mercedes-Benz S models that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 8.3% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 71).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat after fail | 14.1 | % | 8.3 | 2019–2024 | 71 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
On Mercedes-Benz S models, ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’ and suspension failures turn up together 13.9 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 27).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension (rough estimate: 27 tests, 95% interval 9.2–20.2) | 13.9 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 27 |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility (rough estimate: 20 tests, 95% interval 4.0–10.1) | 6.5 | lift | expected joint rate | 2024 | 20 |
| Brakes + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 19 | tests with both | 2024 | 19 | |
| Suspension + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 19 | tests with both | 2024 | 19 | |
| Tyres + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 17 | tests with both | 2024 | 17 | |
| Suspension + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 16 | tests with both | 2024 | 16 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 16 | tests with both | 2024 | 16 | |
| Brakes + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 15 | tests with both | 2024 | 15 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 13 | tests with both | 2024 | 13 | |
| Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 13 | tests with both | 2024 | 13 | |
| Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 12 | tests with both | 2024 | 12 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 12 | tests with both | 2024 | 12 | |
| Brakes + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 12 | tests with both | 2024 | 12 | |
| Body, chassis, structure + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 10 | tests with both | 2024 | 10 | |
| Steering + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 8 | tests with both | 2024 | 8 | |
| Body, chassis, structure + Brakes (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 8 | tests with both | 2024 | 8 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 8 | tests with both | 2024 | 8 | |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 7 | tests with both | 2024 | 7 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 7 | tests with both | 2024 | 7 | |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 7 | tests with both | 2024 | 7 | |
| Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 6 | tests with both | 2024 | 6 | |
| Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 5 | tests with both | 2024 | 5 | |
| Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 5 | tests with both | 2024 | 5 | |
| Body, chassis, structure + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier) | 5 | tests with both | 2024 | 5 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Of every 100 Mercedes-Benz S models tested at age 5, about 10 failed the MOT first time (rough estimate). These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time (2024).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 3 (rough estimate: 504 tests, 95% interval 4.7–9.1%) | 6.5 | % fail first time | 2024 | 504 | |
| Age 4 (rough estimate: 438 tests, 95% interval 7.6–13.2%) | 10.1 | % fail first time | 2024 | 438 | |
| Age 5 (rough estimate: 119 tests, 95% interval 5.9–16.8%) | 10.1 | % fail first time | 2024 | 119 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Mercedes-Benz S models fail first time most in February (13.1%, against 30.0% for all cars that month) and least in October (6.9%) (2024, n = 1,752).
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.2 | % fail first time | 31.1 | 2024 | 312 |
| February | 13.1 | % fail first time | 30.0 | 2024 | 328 |
| March | 10.7 | % fail first time | 28.3 | 2024 | 364 |
| April | 7.3 | % fail first time | 29.8 | 2024 | 233 |
| May | 9.3 | % fail first time | 28.8 | 2024 | 292 |
| June | 8.3 | % fail first time | 28.1 | 2024 | 373 |
| July | 10.8 | % fail first time | 29.3 | 2024 | 352 |
| August | 10.5 | % fail first time | 29.2 | 2024 | 370 |
| Measure | Value | Unit | Compared with | Years | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 10.6 | % fail first time | 28.2 | 2024 | 481 |
| October | 6.9 | % fail first time | 30.3 | 2024 | 419 |
| November | 11.4 | % fail first time | 30.6 | 2024 | 475 |
| December | 9.1 | % fail first time | 29.3 | 2024 | 450 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
n < 500 in this group. 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort; this measure needs a qualifying group of at least 500 tests.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 + geographic layers · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: DVSA register; recall effect covers 11 of 761 models · Window: DVSA register · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA + 2024 · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
no match in the other-country inspection register. 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models · Window: 2024 by country · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 1,752 initial Mercedes-Benz S tests are in the published model cohort.
Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 1,752 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
See the BMW X6, a car of the same inspection class with 8.9× the tests · Check your car by registration
MOT Risk Index (2026). Mercedes-Benz S MOT statistics 2024 (data release dvsa-2024-v2; full dataset motriskindex-families-2024-v5, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22975051), updated 24 September 2026. motriskindex.co.uk/cars/mercedes-s/
How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.
What is wrong on this page? One tap sends the category only, no text and nothing about you.
91.7% of first attempts passed in 2024 (1,752 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.
Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 1,752 primary tests: 8.33% failed first time and 92.7% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 68 is shown separately.