1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.2L Petrol · S780 APJ
1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3.2L, petrol). First registered 12 Sept 1998. Recorded mileage 110,244 miles. MOT expired on 05 Oct 2025.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Sept 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 110,244 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- 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.
S780 APJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 11/09/2025
- 110,244 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S780 APJ 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S780 APJ) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 11 September 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural”; “Nearside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structura”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
S780 APJ Mileage History
- 12/09/2023103,486 mi
- 20/09/2023103,488 mi+2 mi
- 10/09/2024106,470 mi+2,982 mi
- 13/09/2024106,470 mi
- 11/09/2025110,244 mi+3,774 mi
Average of roughly 3,382 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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: Poor
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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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1998 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.
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