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MERCEDES S-CLASS (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,227 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

82%

Total Tests (2024)

1,227

Avg Mileage

120,882 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,900

Is the 2003 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 21 years old, 82% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,227 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,882 miles.

How does the 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars76th out of 445(top 17%)
Rank among all MERCEDES models1004th out of 1,408(top 71%)
vs national average+0% (82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average+10% (72% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-5% (87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 120,882 miles on the clock, 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.

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 2003 sits between the two at 82%.

How much does a 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Diesel, 3222cc)
£1,245
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,900
Per month£158/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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202191%16432,036 mi
202095%54043,972 mi
201994%5,92167,860 mi
201894%6,51875,456 mi
201793%5,99073,988 mi
201691%6,81974,260 mi
201592%5,51387,325 mi
201492%3,91595,545 mi
201389%2,145108,065 mi
201288%2,817100,420 mi
201187%2,202117,628 mi
201085%2,001110,934 mi
200982%1,990114,274 mi
200884%2,232110,584 mi
200784%2,940117,418 mi
200687%2,334111,043 mi
200584%1,301132,014 mi
200482%1,158124,020 mi
200382%1,227120,882 mi
200279%720115,052 mi
200179%735107,381 mi
200081%562102,703 mi
199978%43498,447 mi
199881%522111,371 mi
199786%373107,182 mi
199683%348109,185 mi
199586%286111,087 mi
199492%140106,787 mi
199376%49112,335 mi
199272%121119,350 mi
199192%118120,508 mi
199087%125142,121 mi

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About the 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 3222cc diesel engine. 1,227 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2003 cars for reliability.

With an average of 120,882 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,245 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 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 21 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 2003 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The MERCEDES S-CLASS is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel performances from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: