2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.5L Diesel · DAV 33S

The vehicle remains currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift towards mechanical wear and deferred attention. The most recent test in January 2026 at 71,273 miles identified two advisories: play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint and thin rear brake pads. This follows a previous advisory from December 2024 at 69,626 miles regarding the same brake pads, indicating these were not addressed. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,100 miles per year. There is a notable period of stability between 2022 and early 2024 where the car covered 16,667 miles with no recorded defects. However, the vehicle covered 11,214 miles between January 2024 and January 2026, suggesting a recent increase in usage or longer trips. This more rapid accumulation compared to the earlier years correlates with the appearance of wear-and-tear items in the latest two MOT records. A prospective buyer must personally inspect the offside front suspension to assess the extent of the ball joint play, as continued neglect will lead to steering instability or premature tyre wear. The recurring advisory on the rear brake pads suggests a lack of proactive maintenance, so a thorough check of the rear discs for thinning or uneven wear is required. Given the age of the S-Class, the buyer should also verify the rubber bushings and suspension components for cracking, as low mileage often masks degradation from periods of standing.