How much does a 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 87% MOT pass rate based on 125 tests in 2026. This ranks 35 out of 190 cars from 1990.

Which year MERCEDES S-CLASS is most reliable?

The 2020 MERCEDES S-CLASS has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%. The least reliable year is 1992 at 72%.

MERCEDES S-CLASS (1990)

Q: Is the 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 125 tests. That's 5 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 142,121 miles, which is below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4973cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol4973cc36 years old125 tests142k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4973cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4973cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

87% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 36 years old, 87% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,121 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 cars35th of 190(top 18%)

Rank among MERCEDES models823th of 1,408(top 58%)

vs national average+5%(82% avg)

vs 1990 cars average+8%(79% avg)

vs MERCEDES average+0%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

142,121

Average miles

266,400

Expected for age

The average 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 142,121 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1990 sits between the two at 87%.

MERCEDES S-CLASS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	164	32,036 mi
2020	95%	540	43,972 mi
2019	94%	5,921	67,860 mi
2018	94%	6,518	75,456 mi
2017	93%	5,990	73,988 mi
2016	91%	6,819	74,260 mi
2015	92%	5,513	87,325 mi
2014	92%	3,915	95,545 mi
2013	89%	2,145	108,065 mi
2012	88%	2,817	100,420 mi
2011	87%	2,202	117,628 mi
2010	85%	2,001	110,934 mi
2009	82%	1,990	114,274 mi
2008	84%	2,232	110,584 mi
2007	84%	2,940	117,418 mi
2006	87%	2,334	111,043 mi
2005	84%	1,301	132,014 mi
2004	82%	1,158	124,020 mi
2003	82%	1,227	120,882 mi
2002	79%	720	115,052 mi
2001	79%	735	107,381 mi
2000	81%	562	102,703 mi
1999	78%	434	98,447 mi
1998	81%	522	111,371 mi
1997	86%	373	107,182 mi
1996	83%	348	109,185 mi
1995	86%	286	111,087 mi
1994	92%	140	106,787 mi
1993	76%	49	112,335 mi
1992	72%	121	119,350 mi
1991	92%	118	120,508 mi
1990	87%	125	142,121 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

JAGUAR XJS

1990 · 5343cc Petrol

£2,247/year

82%

-5%

MERCEDES 500

1991 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

same

MERCEDES SL

1991 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

-1%

JAGUAR XJ

1990 · 5345cc Petrol

£2,247/year

86%

-1%

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About the 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 4973cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 1990 cars for reliability.

With an average of 142,121 miles at 36 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 4973cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MERCEDES S-CLASS Reliability Trend

Newer MERCEDES S-CLASSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 36 years old, the MERCEDES S-CLASS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 142k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1990 MERCEDES S-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MERCEDES S-CLASS(1990)	87%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
JAGUAR XJS(1990)	82%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
MERCEDES 500(1991)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
MERCEDES SL(1991)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
JAGUAR XJ(1990)	86%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.