2006 Mercedes S-Class 3.0L Diesel · SM56 RZM
2006 Mercedes S-Class (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Sept 2006. Recorded mileage 157,769 miles. MOT expired on 21 Nov 2022. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- MERCEDES S-Class
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Nov 2022
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 157,769 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
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.
SM56 RZM Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/11/2021
- 157,769 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM56 RZM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 Mercedes S-Class (SM56 RZM) between November 2021 and November 2021.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 November 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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 Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
SM56 RZM Mileage History
- 09/11/2021157,757 mi
- 22/11/2021157,769 mi+12 mi
Average of roughly 340 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution. This 2
Given the recorded oil leak in the 2021 MOT, you must check if this has been addressed or if it has worsened. Inspect the engine bay thoroughly for fresh oil residue and look for signs of weeping from gaskets or seals. Because this is a high-displacement 2987cc diesel engine, any significant leak can be costly to rectify.
Verify the service history to see if the oil leak noted in November 2021 was repaired. Additionally, check the current condition of all tyres and glass, as the previous records noted an aged tyre with a bulge and windscreen damage. Ensure all electrical components, specifically the indicator units mentioned in the 2021 failure, are fully operational.
As a 3.0-litre diesel, running costs will be higher than a standard saloon. Expect a relatively high insurance group due to the S-Class's performance and repair costs. Fuel economy will depend heavily on driving style and load, but large diesel engines of this era typically offer decent motorway cruising figures.
Maintenance costs for a 2006 S-Class can be substantial. Parts for this model are premium, and the complexity of the 2987cc engine means labour rates for repairs can be high. Budget for frequent checks on suspension components and braking systems, which are common wear items on heavy luxury vehicles.
Focus heavily on the engine's integrity. The 2021 MOT history specifically flagged an 'oil leak, but not excessive'; you need to determine if this is a slow weep or a developing fault. Check the underside of the engine and the transmission housing for signs of fresh oil.
Inspect the tyres carefully for age and structural integrity, as the 2021 records showed a tyre with a bulge caused by structural separation. Also, check the windscreen for any cracks or chips that may have been present during the previous MOT, and test all exterior lighting, specifically the offside front indicators which were noted as non-functional in the 2021 failure.
This 2.9L diesel S-Class has covered 157,769 miles as of its last recorded MOT in late 2021. The MOT history from that period shows a failure due to a structural tyre issue and an oil leak. While the vehicle is a premium large saloon, the recorded history suggests potential maintenance lapses regarding consumables and engine sealing.
No aggregate reliability data is currently available for this specific Mercedes S-Class model to provide a statistical trend.
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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