Mercedes-Benz S300 MOT Pass Rate
Overall pass rate across all manufacture years, based on 42 real MOT test results. Failure rate: 14.3%.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
Mercedes-Benz S300 MOT Reliability Overview
The Mercedes-Benz S300 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 42 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 0 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.7% and a failure rate of 14.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
Based on this data, the Mercedes-Benz S300 earns a "Excellent" reliability rating. The average Mercedes-Benz S300 presents for MOT with approximately 55,605 miles on the clock.
The most common MOT failure for the Mercedes-Benz S300 is Tyres, affecting 26.2% of all tests. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. The second most common issue is Brakes at 7.1%. Registration Plates and VIN rounds out the top three at 2.4%. Together, these top 3 failure categories account for a significant portion of all MOT failures for this model.
Top failures across all manufacture years combined. Individual year pages may show different top failures.
What Fails Most
* High Fail Rate badge indicates an MOT pass rate below 65% (failure rate above 35%).
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 26.2% | 11 |
| 2 | Brakes | 7.1% | 3 |
| 3 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 2.4% | 1 |
| 4 | Registration Plates And Vin | 2.4% | 1 |
| 5 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.4% | 1 |
| 6 | Suspension | 2.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 55,605 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.71 | 26.2% | 11 |
| Brakes | 1.28 | 7.1% | 3 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.43 | 2.4% | 1 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.43 | 2.4% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.43 | 2.4% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.43 | 2.4% | 1 |
🚗 Similar Cars to Consider
Mileage at MOT
The average Mercedes-Benz S300 has 55,605 miles when tested for MOT.
📊 Mileage-Adjusted Failure Rate
How often this car fails MOT relative to how much it's driven — a fairer comparison than raw pass rate.
The Mercedes-Benz S300 has a mileage-adjusted failure rate of 2.57% per 10,000 miles driven. The average across all makes is 5.38%, so this model is better than average.
About Mercedes-Benz S300 MOT Data
The Mercedes-Benz S300 is a rare vehicle in the UK, with 42 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 0 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.7% and a failure rate of 14.3%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
For Mercedes-Benz S300 owners, these results suggest a reliable vehicle that generally passes its MOT without major issues. Focus your pre-MOT checks on tyres and brakes for the best chance of a first-time pass. Use our detailed year-by-year breakdown and failure analysis below to understand how your specific S300 is likely to perform.
Tyres — 26.2% of failures
Tyres issues account for 26.2% of MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz S300. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Brakes — 7.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 7.1% of MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz S300. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Registration Plates and VIN — 2.4% of failures
Registration Plates and VIN issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on the Mercedes-Benz S300. Registration Plates and VIN issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Mercedes-Benz S300?
Based on 42 (based on limited data) MOT tests in our database, the Mercedes-Benz S300 has an overall pass rate of 85.7% (14.3% fail rate).
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mercedes-Benz S300?
The top 3 reasons a Mercedes-Benz S300 fails its MOT are: 1. Tyres (26.2%), 2. Brakes (7.1%), 3. Registration Plates and VIN (2.4%). Check these areas before booking your MOT.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S300 reliable?
With a 14.3% MOT failure rate, the S300 is more reliable than average compared to the UK average of ~40%.
What should I check before an MOT on my Mercedes-Benz S300?
Based on failure data, focus on: Tyres (26.2%); Brakes (7.1%); Registration Plates and VIN (2.4%). These are the areas most likely to cause a fail. Also check all lights, tyres (minimum 1.6mm tread), and windscreen condition — these are quick wins that apply to all cars.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.