2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz S-Class

  22% All 2008 cars

  9.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings3.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz S-Class

  8.1% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz S-Class

  12.1% All 2008 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  22% 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
  19% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?