Used car guide

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs, from 2,265 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,265MOT tests in 2025
87%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
8,300typical miles a year
5.2×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Ball joint5.2× usual
    Mercedes-Benz S-Class
    9.8% All 2017 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Better than most

Tyre condition: 6.6% here, against 13.4% of all 2017 cars. Brake pads: 4.9% here, against 10.6% of all 2017 cars.

By area

The share of 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    21% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    11% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    11% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20192,195Tyres 19%
20182,177Tyres 19%
20162,634Tyres 24%
20152,124Tyres 23%
20141,572Tyres 21%
2013946Brakes 27%
20121,148Brakes 33%
2011883Brakes 32%
2010773Brakes 32%
2009753Brakes 37%
2008810Brakes 40%
20071,127Brakes 39%
2006883Brakes 38%
2004521Brakes 35%
2003522Brakes 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Classs registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score