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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 88 for sale right now.
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Our take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
A 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class typically advertises at €64,950 and a 2016 one at €26,950, so it loses roughly 16% of its value a year at that age, faster than most cars. At the NCT, the 2007–2016 cars do better than other cars the same year. The 2.9 diesel is the most common engine (66% of those with a known engine), and it usually lasts around 400k km.
Check a Mercedes-Benz S-Class's priceNCT pass rate by year
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 | €64,950 | 90k km | 9 |
| 2019 | €44,900 | 188k km | 6 |
| 2018 | €39,800 | 132k km | 19 |
| 2017 | €37,950 | 105k km | 7 |
| 2016 | €26,950 | 223k km | 8 |
| 2015 | €24,950 | 162k km | 11 |
| 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, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 80% | 80% | |
| 2019 | 71% | 74% | |
| 2018 | 67% | 67% | |
| 2017 | 64% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 61% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 63% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 54% | 51% | |
| 2012 | 40% | 42% | |
| 2011 | 40% | 38% | |
| 2010 | 34% | 34% | |
| 2007 | 53% | 31% |
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 | ~€790 | 23 |
| 3.0 Diesel | ~400k km | ~€790 | 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
Parts from AUTODOC Ireland: pick your car on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsTiming chain kitsShock absorbersWheel bearingsTrack rod endsFiltersWiper bladesHeadlight bulbsGlow plugsEGR valves
Quick bits on Amazon
Faster delivery for small things.
Wiper bladesBulbsBatteryOBD2 fault code readerJump starter
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
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