2005 Mercedes S-Class 3.7L Petrol · KU05 SCV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 169,451 miles passed, it followed an immediate failure due to basic lighting and tyre condition. The recurring nature of headlamp-related issues across 2025 and 2026 suggests that the owner only addresses defects when forced by a test failure rather than performing routine preventative checks. At 169,451 miles, this twenty-one year-old S-Class has averaged approximately 8,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a luxury grander. The data shows consistent mileage accumulation, with roughly 5,800 miles covered between September 2024 and February 2025, and another 6,400 miles covered between February 2025 and February 2026. This steady interval suggests the car is used regularly, which is generally beneficial for maintaining seals and components compared to a vehicle that sits stationary for long periods. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and tyre geometry. The February 2026 failure noted the offside rear tyre was bald on the inner edge while front tyres were worn on edges, which strongly indicates significant misalignment or worn control arm bushes. Given the age and mileage of this Mercedes, the complex multi-link suspension likely requires attention. Additionally, the nearside front oil leak noted in February 2025 at 163,038 miles should be monitored to ensure it has not escalated into a more significant engine failure since the last report.