What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 83% MOT pass rate based on 348 tests in 2024. This ranks 61 out of 252 cars from 1996.

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 (1996)

Q: Is the 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024, based on 348 tests. That's 1 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: How much does a 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), including £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 109,185 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 348 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests (2024)

348

Avg Mileage

109,185 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,247

Is the 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 28 years old, 83% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 348 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,185 miles.

How does the 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?

Rank among all 1996 cars61th out of 252(top 24%)

Rank among all MERCEDES models974th out of 1,408(top 69%)

vs national average+1% (82% avg)

vs 1996 cars average+8% (75% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-4% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 109,185 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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%. The 1996 sits between the two at 83%.

How much does a 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 5987cc)

£1,592

🏛️Road Tax

£250

🔧MOT Test

£55

🛠️Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,247

Per month£187/mo

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 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 5987cc petrol engine. 348 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1996 cars for reliability.

With an average of 109,185 miles at 28 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 5987cc 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 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 28 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%.

Alternatives to the 1996 MERCEDES S-CLASS

If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:

JAGUAR XJ (1996) 82% pass rate (-1%) from 1,861 tests
JAGUAR XJS (1994) 85% pass rate (+2%) from 830 tests
TVR CERBERA (1997) 95% pass rate (+12%) from 212 tests