Guides › Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz S Class buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Mercedes-Benz S Class costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 77 for sale right now.
Used Mercedes-Benz S Class prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | €62,900 | 90k km | 5 |
| 2019 | €44,000 | 188k km | 5 |
| 2018 | €38,450 | 132k km | 17 |
| 2017 | €37,950 | 105k km | 7 |
| 2016 | €26,950 | 223k km | 8 |
| 2015 | €24,950 | 162k km | 10 |
| 2014 | €17,950 | 209k km | 5 |
| 2006 | €3,000 | 203k km | 5 |
Mercedes-Benz S Class NCT pass rate
How often Mercedes-Benz S Classes pass their NCT first time, against all cars the same age (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 80% | 80% | |
| 2021 | 80% | 80% | |
| 2020 | 75% | 75% | |
| 2019 | 71% | 74% | |
| 2018 | 67% | 67% | |
| 2017 | 64% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 61% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 63% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 54% | 51% | |
| 2012 | 40% | 42% |
Most common reasons a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S Class fails: wheel alignment (19.5% of tests, more than most cars), steering & suspension (17.1% of tests, more than most cars), wheels & tyres (7.7% of tests), safety equipment (5.3% of tests).
Common Mercedes-Benz S Class problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
Automatic gearbox health · €300–€2,500
Make sure the gear changes are smooth when warm, check for a gearbox warning light and ask if the gearbox oil was ever changed.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 Diesel | ~400k km | ~€750 | 23 |
| 3.0 Diesel | ~400k km | ~€750 | 12 |
2.9 Diesel: usual problem: injector seals and timing chain on 2.1 CDI.
3.0 Diesel: usual problem: injector seals and timing chain on 2.1 CDI.
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts for the Mercedes-Benz S Class
Enter the reg on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsBatteriesShock absorbersWheel bearingsWiper bladesBulbsGlow plugsEGR valves
Before you buy a used Mercedes-Benz S Class
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the last service was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
Other Mercedes-Benz guides
Mercedes-Benz E ClassMercedes-Benz A ClassMercedes-Benz C ClassMercedes-Benz CLA ClassMercedes-Benz GLC ClassMercedes-Benz GLA ClassMercedes-Benz GLE ClassMercedes-Benz GLB