2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.5L Petrol · RJ07 KXG

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend shows a recurring issue with the front suspension geometry. The most recent test in February 2022 at 93,348 miles identified slight play in both the near-side and off-side front lower suspension arm ball joints. This mirrors a defect recorded in May 2017 at 73,947 miles, indicating that these specific components are reaching the end of their functional life despite the low annual mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for a nineteen-year-old S-Class, averaging approximately 4,900 miles per year. Between April 2018 and October 2020, the car covered only 8,483 miles, resulting in clean passes with no recorded defects. However, the four-year gap between the 2022 MOT and the current date relative to the vehicle's age suggests long periods of inactivity. This often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components, perished seals, and moisture-contaminated brake fluid, which are not always captured by a mileage reading alone. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension assembly to assess the extent of the ball joint play. Given the recurring nature of this fault, the inspector should also check for wear on the control arm bushings and tie links. Because the vehicle has sat for significant periods, priority should be given to checking for structural corrosion on the chassis and signs of brake binding, as stationary vehicles are prone to seized pistons and internal rust on the brake discs.