How much does a 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,385 (£199/month), including £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS has a 88% MOT pass rate based on 2,817 tests in 2026. This ranks 171 out of 685 cars from 2012.

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%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

The average mileage for a 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS is 100,420 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES S-CLASS (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,817 tests. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,817 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,385

£199/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£735

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3222cc Diesel

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2385/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Diesel3222cc14 years old2,817 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3222cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 3222cc

£735

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,385

Per month£199/mo

Per week£46/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

At 14 years old, 88% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,817 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,420 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars171th of 685(top 25%)

Rank among MERCEDES models749th of 1,408(top 53%)

vs national average+6%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+10%(78% avg)

vs MERCEDES average+1%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,420

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 100,420 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2012 sits between the two at 88%.

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

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£1,900/year

88%

same

AUDI A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£1,900/year

82%

-6%

JAGUAR XF

2014 · 2993cc Diesel

£1,900/year

84%

-4%

AUDI A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£1,900/year

85%

-3%

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About the 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS

The 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 3222cc diesel engine. 2,817 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2012 cars for reliability.

With an average of 100,420 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,385 (£199/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £735 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2012 MERCEDES S-CLASS

At 14 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 2012 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 100k 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 2012 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(2012)	88%	£1245	£735	Grp 35-50	£2385
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013)	88%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£485
AUDI A4(2011)	82%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£485
JAGUAR XF(2014)	84%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£485
AUDI A5(2013)	85%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£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.