MERCEDES S-CLASS (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 522 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
522
Avg Mileage
111,371 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1998 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 26 years old, 81% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 522 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,371 miles.
How does the 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 111,371 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 81%.
How much does a 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?
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 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS
The 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a large car with a 2799cc petrol engine. 522 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1998 cars for reliability.
With an average of 111,371 miles at 26 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 2799cc 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 1998 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 81% 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 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS
At 26 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 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-14%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-3%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-3%) from 7,815 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2000) 82% pass rate (+1%) from 3,688 tests