2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2.8L Petrol · M2 UUH

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance history indicates a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive preventative care. The most recent test in January 2026 at 107,240 miles flagged the front brake discs as worn, pitted and scored. While this did not cause a failure, it suggests the braking system is reaching the end of its service life. The overall trend is stable, with faults being limited to consumable items like tyres and minor rubber components rather than catastrophic structural or deep mechanical failures. The mileage profile is notably low for a 22-year-old S-Class, averaging approximately 4,875 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage noted between 2024 and 2026, where the car covered only 4 miles, moving from 107,236 to 107,240. This low-frequency use often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, which is evidenced by the recurring MOT advisories for perishing and cracking tyres seen between 2020, 2021, and 2022. Specific attention is required for the suspension and braking fluid lines. A failure in September 2021 at 98,882 miles revealed excessively worn front suspension ball joints on both sides, and the 2017 test noted corrosion on both main rear brake pipes. A buyer should inspect the underside for advanced structural corrosion on these lines and ensure the ball joints have not developed play since their replacement. The oil leak recorded in 2023 at 103,887 miles also warrants a physical inspection to ensure it has not worsened during the recent period of inactivity.