How much does a 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,535 (£211/month), including £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 720 tests in 2026. This ranks 101 out of 403 cars from 2002.

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 (2002)

Q: Is the 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 720 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 115,052 miles, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 720 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,535

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3227cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2535/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel3227cc24 years old720 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3227cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 3227cc

£735

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,535

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 24 years old, 79% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 720 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,052 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 cars101th of 403(top 25%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1126th of 1,408(top 80%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 2002 cars average+6%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,052

Average miles

177,600

Expected for age

The average 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 115,052 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 2002 sits between the two at 79%.

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

BMW 3 SERIES

2003 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

-1%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER

2004 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

-1%

FIAT DUCATO

2003 · 2800cc Diesel

£2,050/year

75%

-4%

PEUGEOT BOXER

2004 · 2800cc Diesel

£2,050/year

75%

-4%

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About the 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 3227cc diesel engine. 720 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 2002 cars for reliability.

With an average of 115,052 miles at 24 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs

The 3227cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,535 (£211/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 24 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 2002 MERCEDES S-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 115k 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 2002 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(2002)	79%	£1245	£735	Grp 35-50	£2535
BMW 3 SERIES(2003)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£485
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2004)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£485
FIAT DUCATO(2003)	75%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£485
PEUGEOT BOXER(2004)	75%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£2050-£485

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.