Mercedes S-Class (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,227 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3222cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel3222cc23 years old1,227 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3222cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

82% of MOT tests on Mercedes S-Classs from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 1,227 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 120,882 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models71st of 429(top 17%)

Rank among Mercedes models989th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+10%(72% avg)

vs Mercedes average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,882

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mercedes S-Class had 120,882 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2003 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-4%

Ford Mondeo

2005 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,841/year

69%

-13%

Land Rover Range Rover

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

79%

-3%

BMW X3

2005 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,641/year

76%

-6%

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About the 2003 Mercedes S-Class

The 2003 Mercedes S-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3222cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,227 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 120,882 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes S-Class owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Mercedes S-Class Fuel Costs

The 3222cc 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2003 Mercedes S-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes S-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes S-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Mercedes S-Class

At 23 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 121k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2003 Mercedes S-Class stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes S-Class(2003)	82%	£1,676	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,841
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£200
Ford Mondeo(2005)	69%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,841same
Land Rover Range Rover(2005)	79%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£200
BMW X3(2005)	76%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 Mercedes S-Class

Is the 2003 Mercedes S-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2003 Mercedes S-Classs ended in a pass, from 1,227 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mercedes S-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mercedes S-Class?

82% of 1,227 MOT tests on the 2003 Mercedes S-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 71st of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 17%).

Which year Mercedes S-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mercedes S-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1992 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Mercedes S-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mercedes S-Class is 120,882 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.