Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 (1999-2005) reliability
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 built around 2004: more dangerous faults than average
Testers find a dangerous fault on Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 models built around 2004 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220?
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Key figure
6% of MOT tests on Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 models built around 2004 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 3% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 models built around 2004 involves the suspension.
Based on 2,833 tests of S-Class models registered 1999-2005.
About 1 in 12 S-Class W220 MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 626 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.5% and 10.9%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 S-Class W220 MOTs (6.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).
Based on 626 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.6% and 8.4%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
W220 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the S-Class W220 compares
At each age below, see how the S-Class W220 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 22,610 tests across 10 Mercedes-Benz models, built around 2004 (21 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Independent inspection
High priorityHave an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S-Class W220.
- 1
BMW M3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 14.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.4%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
Lower fail rate: 14.4%, against 20.3% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220, both built around 2004.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,808 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 2
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
More still registered at 10 years: 90%, against 75% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
11,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 3
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
No clear edge over the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 4
Volkswagen Passat
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 29.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 83.2%
More still registered at 10 years: 83%, against 75% for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,339 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
99 recalls in all4 of the 99 S-Class W220 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 3 more
Top concerns
- Possible fire risk
- Faulty control unit may cause vehicle to perform outside specification
- Potential leak of brake line
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on S-Class W220 cars built around 2004
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,180 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How S-Class W220 cars have aged
How S-Class W220 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as W220 cars age
How each part holds up as W220 cars age
The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 21 years | 22 years | 23 years | 24 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 46% | 44% | 46% | 46% |
| Brakes | 46% | 32% | 42% | 38% |
| Emissions | 18% | 11% | 17% | 20% |
| Tyres | 59% | 46% | 46% | 51% |
| Lighting | 32% | 32% | 42% | 40% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 1% | 1% |
| Bodywork | No figure | 1% | 5% | 12% |
| Steering | 5% | 1% | 5% | 3% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 15% | 21% |
Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 56 to 178 cars at each age.
W220 variants compared
S-Class W220 variants built around 2004
The fail rate for each S-Class W220 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- S-Class17.8%365 tests
Diesel
- S-Class23.6%258 tests
Most common issues on Mercedes-Benz S-Class models of this age
This list covers every Mercedes-Benz S-Class built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the W220 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 122.7%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 217.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 316.0%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 412.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 511.3%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
Based on 626 tests
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 (1999-2005) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 626 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.