2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 5.5L Petrol · 5 SSA

A recurring pattern of tyre and braking component wear defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, despite its most recent pass on 03 January 2026 with no recorded defects. The records show a sequence of advisories and a significant failure related to braking system deterioration, specifically regarding rear brake pad thickness and disc wear, which culminated in a dangerous failure in December 2023. While the most recent test indicates these issues have been addressed, the frequency of advisories concerning tyre tread depth and edge wear suggests a consistent requirement for consumable replacement. The vehicle has covered 44,108 miles over its ten-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 4,411 miles. This is a notably low mileage profile for a premium saloon of this age. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on high-stress drivetrain components, such infrequent usage can sometimes lead to uneven tyre wear or the need for more frequent attention to consumables that may degrade due to age or specific driving patterns rather than distance. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the tyre condition and the braking system. The MOT history highlights repeated advisories for nearside front and rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges. During a test drive, pay close attention to the steering feel and listen for any rhythmic thumping or vibration that could indicate uneven tread wear or structural issues with the tyres. Any pulling to one side under braking or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal would suggest that the previous issues with the rear brake discs and pads have not been fully resolved or that other components in the braking circuit are compromised. Additionally, given the history of edge wear on the tyres, it is prudent to inspect the suspension geometry. While no specific suspension defects were recorded, uneven tyre wear often stems from misaligned components or worn bushes. On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks when navigating uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate wear in the suspension linkages or bushings. Ensuring the vehicle tracks straight on a level road is essential to confirm that the tyre wear issues noted in the 2023 and 2024 tests were not symptomatic of deeper alignment or suspension faults.