MERCEDES S-CLASS (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,990 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
5,990
Avg Mileage
73,988 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 7 years old, 93% of MERCEDES S-CLASSs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,990 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,988 miles.
How does the 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS has 73,988 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2017 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS cost to run?
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
| 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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS
The 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS is a performance with a 5461cc petrol engine. 5,990 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2017 cars for reliability.
With an average of 73,988 miles at 7 years old, MERCEDES S-CLASS owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 5461cc 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 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 5,990 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2017 MERCEDES S-CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (2017) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 16,007 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (2015) 87% pass rate (-6%) from 11,055 tests
- JAGUAR F-TYPE (2017) 94% pass rate (+1%) from 5,380 tests
- AUDI R8 (2016) 97% pass rate (+4%) from 2,498 tests