2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 5.0L Petrol · LJ53 VNE
2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (5.0L, petrol). First registered 24 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 89,896 miles. MOT expired on 07 Dec 2025.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Dec 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 89,896 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 5.0L
- 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.
LJ53 VNE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/12/2024
- 89,896 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LJ53 VNE 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 (LJ53 VNE) between November 2022 and December 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 December 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
LJ53 VNE Mileage History
- 30/11/202287,530 mi
- 02/12/202287,547 mi+17 mi
- 29/11/202389,437 mi+1,890 mi
- 08/12/202389,638 mi+201 mi
- 02/12/202489,896 mi+258 mi
Average of roughly 1,179 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Below 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.
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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.
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