How much does a 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 522 tests in 2026. This ranks 84 out of 340 cars from 1998.

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 (1998)

Q: Is the 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 522 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 111,371 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, reliability data, and common problems from 522 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2799cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2799cc28 years old522 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2799cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2799cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/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

81% 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%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 28 years old, 81% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 522 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,371 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 cars84th of 340(top 25%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1051th of 1,408(top 75%)

vs national average-1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 cars average+6%(75% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,371

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1998 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 111,371 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.

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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 1998 sits between the two at 81%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-14%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-3%

BMW 3 SERIES

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-3%

PORSCHE BOXSTER

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,247/year

82%

+1%

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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 2026, 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 28 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 £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1998 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 28 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 111k 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.

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 1998 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(1998)	81%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2427
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£170
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£30
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2000)	82%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2247-£180

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.