2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0L Diesel · J80 VAD

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has demonstrated consistent performance across seven consecutive MOT tests spanning from April 2021 to July 2026, with the most recent assessment on 2026-07-14 resulting in a clean pass. However, the 2023 assessment carried a tyre advisory noting the tyres were worn close to the legal limit and exhibited uneven wear patterns across all four positions, graded as N/S/F (5.2.3 (e)). This singular warning amid otherwise pristine records indicates a gradual degradation of tyre tread depth rather than acute mechanical failure, while the subsequent passes suggest the vehicle has held up reasonably well between assessments. At 169,143 miles after approximately nine years of ownership, the vehicle accumulates roughly 18,794 miles annually—a figure substantially higher than typical for its model year and age, which raises questions about whether the odometer reading reflects genuine driving distance or prolonged periods of idling and storage. The gap between the 2021 and 2023 MOT dates shows no significant acceleration in mileage alone, yet the tyre advisory from 2023 coincides with the period when the vehicle likely accumulated its highest annual mileage, suggesting either increased load during that phase or cumulative wear that manifested only under stress conditions. The absence of any other failures or repeat warnings between 2023 and 2026 implies the high mileage may have been managed within acceptable thresholds until the tyre condition finally reached critical levels. Given the 2023 advisory specifically flagging tyres worn close to legal limits and displaying uneven wear on all sides including the front and rear, a prospective buyer should inspect the current tyre tread depth using the 1.6mm rule and verify that the wear pattern does not exhibit cupping or edge deterioration indicative of improper inflation or alignment issues. During a test drive, pay particular attention to how the vehicle handles corners at speed—any vibration or pulling to one side may signal underlying suspension bushing or tie-bar problems that compound the tyre wear problem. A thorough visual examination of the tyre sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or exposed cords is essential before committing, especially since the advisory covered all four positions symmetrically. While the 2023 tyre advisory represents the primary concern, the sustained high mileage profile warrants attention to suspension bushings and brake hardware, as excessive wheel rotation and clutch wear at the back end are common consequences of extended odometer readings. On a test drive, monitor brake pedal feedback for any sponginess or pulsation that could indicate moisture ingress or internal disc wear, though such findings would not appear in the MOT report given the clean passes since 2024. If the vehicle has not been serviced regularly, consider that rubber components such as brake lines and subframe bolts may have aged beyond their expected lifespan despite passing routine inspections. A professional pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas will provide the necessary confidence to evaluate whether the high mileage has compromised structural integrity or component longevity beyond what the MOT certificates reveal.