2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.2L Petrol · LS02 CFZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding deferred repairs on mechanical components. While the most recent test in June 2024 at 147,570 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure for an insecure exhaust, a faulty side repeater, and an incorrect registration plate. A persistent issue with the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint has appeared in every test since 2022, remaining as an advisory as of June 2024, indicating that this component has not been replaced despite multiple inspections. The mileage pattern is low for a 24-year-old S-Class, averaging approximately 6,150 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between September 2021 and September 2022, where the car advanced only 8,271 miles over a year. This suggests the vehicle likely sits for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and fluid integrity. The lack of an MOT record since June 2024 means the vehicle has not been tested for nearly two years, increasing the risk of undetected mechanical failure or perished age-related parts. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the recurring play in the ball joint suggests wider wear in the arms or bushings that could affect handling and cause uneven tyre wear. The record also shows a history of thin brake pads and discs across multiple years, indicating a pattern of only replacing components when they reach a failure point rather than at scheduled service intervals. Given the 2017 failure for body corrosion and an oil leak, a thorough check of the chassis structural integrity and engine seals is essential to ensure these older issues have not progressed. The low-mileage status necessitates checking for sidewall cracking and perishing on the tyres noted in 2023.