1999 Mercedes S-Class 2.8L Petrol · V98 OGW

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a pass on December 3, 2025, though the maintenance history reveals a reactive approach to repairs. The trend shows signs of improvement after a significant failure just one day prior. While the December 2025 test identified critical failures in service brake efficiency and the parking brake, these were rectified immediately to pass the subsequent re-test. This suggests the owner is willing to address safety-critical faults but may not be performing preventative maintenance before they reach a failure threshold. At 27 years old, the recorded mileage of 125,694 miles represents an average of approximately 4,655 miles per year. This low usage pattern is consistent across the records, with only 7,608 miles covered between the November 2023 and December 2025 tests. While low mileage generally preserves engine and drivetrain components, it frequently leads to the degradation of rubber-based parts and seals through age. The long intervals between tests suggest the car sits for extended periods, which often accelerates internal corrosion and brake fluid moisture absorption. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the braking system due to recurring issues with efficiency and binding. The 2023 failure noted an excessively binding offside rear brake, and the 2025 failure flagged both service and parking brake efficiency drops, indicating that the calipers, cylinders, or mechanical adjustment cables require close attention. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp noted in 2023 should also be verified to ensure the airbag fault was properly cleared and not merely masked. Given the vehicle's age and low usage, a thorough check of the structural integrity and the condition of the suspension bushes is essential, as these are common failure points for older S-Class models regardless of miles driven.