2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4.3L Petrol · AO03 HDJ
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (4.3L, petrol). First registered 09 May 2003. Recorded mileage 182,494 miles. MOT valid until 11 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Norwich
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 182,494 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
AO03 HDJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/04/2026
- 182,494 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AO03 HDJ 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (AO03 HDJ) between May 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 13 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (9 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))”; “Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
AO03 HDJ Mileage History
- 22/05/2023179,739 mi
- 14/07/2023180,036 mi+297 mi
- 20/09/2024181,493 mi+1,457 mi
- 02/04/2026182,489 mi+996 mi
- 13/04/2026182,494 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 952 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (AO03 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as AO03HDJ.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
AUDI
Q2
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FOCUS
HONDA
CBR900RR
HONDA
CBR900RR
HONDA
FJS 600-2
HONDA
CBR900RR
HONDA
ANF
HONDA
CBR1100XX
HONDA
SES125
HONDA
VFR800
MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Biodegradable wiring harness insulationSerious
Mercedes used a soy-based wiring insulation that degrades over time, exposing bare wires and causing short circuits, random warning lights and potential fire risk. Engine bay harnesses are worst affected.
- Airmatic suspension collapseSerious
The air springs and compressor degrade with age. Cars sag overnight, ride poorly and the compressor eventually burns out if leaks are ignored.
- SBC brake system failureSerious
The Sensotronic Brake Control unit can reach its cycle limit or fail, bringing brake warnings and a hard pedal. Replacement units are expensive and the system is complex.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.