1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2.8L Petrol · R150 AKR
1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2.8L, petrol). First registered 29 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 164,005 miles. MOT valid until 15 Sept 2027.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Jul 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 164,005 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- 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.
R150 AKR Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/09/2026
- 164,005 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R150 AKR 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (R150 AKR) between June 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (14 issues), Brakes (9 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Windscreen (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 26 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm inner edge about to show chords. starting to delaminate (5.2.”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint likely to become detached ball joint has broken (5.3.4 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick o/s/f worn more than n/s/f (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
R150 AKR Mileage History
- 10/06/2024130,477 mi
- 20/06/2024131,169 mi+692 mi
- 10/06/2025146,675 mi+15,506 mi
- 11/06/2026163,832 mi+17,157 mi
- 17/09/2026164,005 mi+173 mi
Average of roughly 14,776 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
A prospective buyer should prepare for substantial immediate expenditure. The June 2026 MOT failure indicates that the car requires significant work to be roadworthy, specifically regarding the front and rear suspension, wheel bearings, and the entire braking system. Do not assume that a 'Pass' in previous years implies a lack of maintenance, as the 2025 record already showed multiple advisories for brakes and shocks that eventually led to the 2026 failure.
When negotiating, use the list of failed items to drive the price down significantly. You should request a full invoice of all work completed to rectify the 2026 failures. Check the service history for evidence of regular oil changes and fluid replacements, as the 2.8L engine is a complex unit. Given the age and the specific failures noted, ensure any replacement parts for the steering box and suspension arms are of high quality, as these are recurring themes in this vehicle's history.
Running this large-capacity 2799cc petrol S-Class will be costly. Expect high fuel consumption typical of a late-90s luxury saloon, and insurance groups for this model are generally high due to the engine size and vehicle weight.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated; the MOT history shows a tendency for wear on expensive components like shock absorbers, steering boxes, and brake discs. Annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and a budget for the frequent repairs suggested by the MOT data, are estimated to be high.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension. The MOT history specifically highlights 'slight play' in the steering box and issues with the steering rack inner joints in previous years. You must also inspect the suspension for corrosion, as the nearside and offside rear coil springs have been flagged as corroded in multiple tests (2023, 2025, and 2026).
Additionally, examine the wheel bearings and brakes. The 2026 test showed excessive play in both front wheel bearings and significant wear on the front brake discs and pads. Check for any signs of oil misting on the shock absorbers, a recurring advisory since 2025, and ensure the anti-roll bar linkages and upper suspension arm bushes are in good condition, as these were recent failure points.
This 1997 Mercedes S-Class (R150AKR) is a 2.8L petrol model with 163,832 miles recorded at its last test. While the mileage is consistent with its age, the MOT history shows a pattern of recurring issues, culminating in a heavy failure in June 2026. The vehicle has demonstrated persistent problems with steering components, suspension corrosion, and brake wear across several years.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific Mercedes S-Class model to provide a comparative benchmark.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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