2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0L Diesel · DR03 AGO
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Oct 2012. Recorded mileage 82,164 miles. MOT valid until 15 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 82,164 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DR03 AGO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/07/2026
- 82,164 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DR03 AGO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (DR03 AGO) between July 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 11 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Suspension arm insecurely attached Spring link (5.3.3 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm insecurely attached Spring link (5.3.3 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
DR03 AGO Mileage History
- 12/07/202350,490 mi
- 14/07/202350,491 mi+1 mi
- 06/07/202466,354 mi+15,863 mi
- 05/07/202575,616 mi+9,262 mi
- 11/07/202682,164 mi+6,548 mi
Average of roughly 10,566 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A strong candidate for a buyer seeking a low-mileage luxury saloon. The clean recent MOT history suggests a vehicle that has avoided the common pitfalls seen in the wider S-Class sample.
Given the low mileage for a 2012 diesel, your primary focus should be on ensuring the vehicle has had regular oil changes to protect the complex 2987cc engine. Check for any evidence of service history that supports the low mileage usage, as diesel engines can suffer from carbon buildup if only used for very short trips.
When negotiating, ask for documentation regarding recent maintenance of the suspension and braking systems. While the MOT history is currently clean, the S-Class is a heavy vehicle that can put significant strain on components. Always verify that the mileage recorded in the service book aligns with the 75,616 miles shown on the most recent MOT.
As a 2.9L diesel, fuel economy should be relatively efficient for a car of this size on motorway journeys, though urban driving will be more costly. This vehicle falls into a higher tax band and insurance group typical of luxury executive saloons.
Maintenance costs for an S-Class can be substantial compared to standard family cars due to the complexity of its systems. Expect higher-than-average costs for tyres and specialist parts. We estimate the annual running cost to be in the higher bracket for this vehicle class.
Inspect the headlamps carefully, as 'headlamp' issues are noted as a top failure reason for this model in our aggregate data. Check the condition and tread depth of all tyres, as 'tyre' failures are also a common reason for MOT failure among S-Class owners.
Additionally, check the dashboard for any warning lights, specifically relating to the engine management system, as 'engine mil inoperative' is a known failure point for this model. Given the vehicle's weight, a thorough check of the suspension bushings and brake pads is also recommended.
This 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (DR03AGO) presents with 75,616 miles, which is significantly lower than the model average of 7,332 miles per annum. While it experienced one MOT failure in July 2023 at 50,490 miles, the subsequent three tests have been passed without any recorded defects. The black 2.9L diesel variant remains a popular choice for long-distance cruising.
Aggregate data from 31,006 vehicles shows an 86.6% average MOT pass rate, with common failures linked to headlamps, tyres, and engine management lights.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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