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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0L Diesel · DR03 AGO

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
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 15 Jul 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Sept 2027
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2012
Engine
2987cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle's current MOT status is a pass, following a test on 11 July 2026. The maintenance trend shows signs of improving after a significant failure in July 2023, though recurring advisories regarding braking components suggest ongoing wear. While the 2023 failure involved critical issues like exposed tyre cords and insecure suspension arms, the subsequent tests in 2024 and 2025 recorded no defects, indicating that the major mechanical failures identified two years ago were addressed. The recorded mileage of 82,164 miles is low for a 2012 model, averaging approximately 5,869 miles per year. This pattern of low annual usage is consistent across the provided MOT history. The data shows a steady annual testing cycle without significant gaps in documentation, though the low mileage may imply the vehicle spends extended periods stationary, which can sometimes contribute to the pitting and scoring observed on brake discs. A prospective buyer should focus on the braking system and drivetrain components. The July 2026 test flagged worn front brake discs, which follows a 2023 advisory for worn and pitted rear brake discs. This suggests a pattern of consumable wear across the braking system. Additionally, the July 2023 record noted a worn central rear prop shaft joint. Although this was not flagged in the 2024 or 2025 tests, the previous advisory warrants a physical inspection for play or vibration in the drivetrain. The 2023 failure for insecure suspension arm spring links represents a serious mechanical risk that was resolved prior to the 2024 test. Despite the recent clean passes, the recurring advisories for brake discs and the previous issues with suspension and prop shaft joints mean a thorough inspection of the underbody and suspension bushings is necessary to ensure these components have been adequately maintained. buying_score: 68 risk_level: Low.
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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.

Updating live data

DR03 AGO MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Aug 2026, 08:26
MOT Analysis

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))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

DR03 AGO Mileage History

  1. 12/07/202350,490 mi
  2. 14/07/202350,491 mi+1 mi
  3. 06/07/202466,354 mi+15,863 mi
  4. 05/07/202575,616 mi+9,262 mi
  5. 11/07/202682,164 mi+6,548 mi

Average of roughly 10,566 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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Reliability & Known Issues

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 Analysis
85
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
78/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£2,200-£3,000
Mileage
The current mileage of 75,616 is well be...

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

MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Model Intelligence & Reliability

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All S-Class problems

Regional DVLA Registration Directory

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