Should I buy a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0 Diesel Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0 Diesel Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

Airmatic leak-down and compressor overwork

One side sits lower after standing, the car takes too long to rise, or a suspension warning appears.

How to check

Leave the car parked for a while before the viewing if possible, then start it and drive slowly over a rough side road.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,800

2Moderate Likelihood

AdBlue / NOx sensor faults with restart countdown risk

Engine light, AdBlue warning, reduced power at times, or a message saying the car will not restart after a set mileage.

How to check

Start the car, let the dash complete its checks, then drive until fully warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

3Moderate Likelihood

Swirl flap and intake contamination faults

Engine light, sluggish response, uneven running or poorer fuel economy than expected.

How to check

Accelerate gently and then more firmly from low speed once the engine is warm.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

MOT Failure Rate

0%5%10%15%20%0–20,000 miles: 5.7% (57 failed / 994 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 9.2% (301 failed / 3,280 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 11.3% (377 failed / 3,325 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 12.1% (317 failed / 2,625 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 11.7% (221 failed / 1,892 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 11.2% (139 failed / 1,242 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 11.5% (101 failed / 876 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 11.6% (64 failed / 551 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 11.8% (44 failed / 374 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 11.9% (34 failed / 286 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0 Diesel Automatic

Mercedes-Benz S-Class buying questions

Is a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3.0 Diesel Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2015)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually