MERCEDES S-CLASS (1992)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 121 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
121
Avg Mileage
119,350 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 32 years old, 72% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 121 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,350 miles.
How does the 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 119,350 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES S-CLASS?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS
The 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 3199cc petrol engine. 121 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 119,350 miles at 32 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 3199cc 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 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS
At 32 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.
Alternatives to the 1992 MERCEDES S-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- PORSCHE 911 (1990) 91% pass rate (+19%) from 1,888 tests
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (+11%) from 1,096 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (+13%) from 914 tests
- PORSCHE 968 (1994) 88% pass rate (+16%) from 642 tests