CarVerify

Free Car Check

E301 KLM

1988 Mercedes-benz S-class

Grey Petrol 4973cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 May 2027
Tests37 (20 pass, 17 fail)
Pass rate54.1%

Mileage

164,688 mi
Last recorded164,688 miles
Recorded on13 May 2026
Typical for 1988 Mercedes-benz S-class126,010 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Mercedes-benz
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationE301 KLM
MakeMercedes-benz
ModelS-class
Year1988
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,973cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 17 fail
Pass 13 May 2026 164,688 miles

Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 28 Mar 2025 164,432 miles

Offside Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Coil spring corroded Both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Pass 27 Mar 2024 164,035 miles

Nearside Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Fail 26 Mar 2024 164,034 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively Both (3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear reflector defective or damaged by more than 50% of the reflecting surface (4.8.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Pass 12 Apr 2023 163,862 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively Both (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 5 Apr 2022 163,253 miles

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 1 Apr 2022 163,252 miles

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers damaged to the extent that it does not function (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Bumper damaged and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Front Inner Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge Both (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Bumper mountings corroded but not likely to become detached (6.1.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Pass 11 Mar 2021 162,949 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 11 Mar 2021 162,949 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator lens defective such that the emitted light is adversely affected (4.4.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 31 Jan 2020 162,222 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Fail 24 Jan 2020 162,222 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Sound deadening material likely to become detached bonnet (8.1.1 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Pass 1 Mar 2019 161,796 miles
Fail 25 Feb 2019 161,796 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Pass 9 Feb 2018 161,657 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases from joint (7.1.2)

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases nearside box (7.1.2)

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases offside box (7.1.2)

Front Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

Fail 5 Feb 2018 161,645 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the seat (5.2.1a)

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases from joint (7.1.2)

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases nearside box (7.1.2)

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases offside box (7.1.2)

Front Steering damper slight oil seepage (2.2.C.1f)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 28 Feb 2017 160,806 miles

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 12 Jan 2016 159,689 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2016 159,689 miles

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions rotational (4.1.D.1f)

boot does not latch securely closed

Fail 28 Jan 2015 158,494 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

n/s steering idler has slight play

n/s/f and o/s/f lower shocker bushes perishing and cracking

n/s/r tyre has cut and damage in outer side wall but cords not exposed

o/s/f chasses leg corroding

possible weep of fluid from steering box

Pass 28 Jan 2015 158,494 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

n/s steering idler has slight play

n/s/f and o/s/f lower shocker bushes perishing and cracking

n/s/r tyre has cut and damage in outer side wall but cords not exposed

o/s/f chasses leg corroding

possible weep of fluid from steering box

Fail 5 Jan 2015 158,411 miles

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Seat belt insecurely fixed to the seat (5.2.1a)

Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release (5.2.5a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

drivers seat padding has dropped on one side although seat is secure

nearside rear indicator lens cracked and showing a small amount of white light

Pass 26 Sep 2013 154,832 miles

Nearside Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

slight movement in drivers seat

Fail 26 Sep 2013 154,832 miles

Nearside Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

slight movement in drivers seat

Pass 2 Oct 2012 151,756 miles
Fail 1 Oct 2012 151,756 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside front tyre has a very large and deep cut.205/65 R15 94V Accelera.

Pass 22 Sep 2011 148,748 miles
Fail 19 Sep 2011 148,748 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Rear reflector excessively damaged so that its function is impaired (1.5.1c)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by damage (6.1.C.1)

Nearside Front Steering pivot point has slight play (2.2.B.1g)

Pass 16 Oct 2010 145,561 miles
Fail 13 Oct 2010 145,551 miles

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Intermediate drop arm cracked and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Offside front fog lamp lens damaged.

Offside front seat base collapsed.

Pass 28 Sep 2009 141,411 miles
Fail 22 Sep 2009 141,411 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Seat belt flexible stalk deteriorated likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Rear registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Offside front fog lamp lens damaged.

Offside front seat base collapsed.

Slight exhaust blow from centre olive

Pass 23 Jun 2008 134,463 miles
Fail 13 Jun 2008 134,463 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Front brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Pass 4 Jul 2007 130,269 miles
Fail 3 Jul 2007 130,269 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Exhaust mounting missing (7.1.1b)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Fail 24 May 2006 123,388 miles

Front Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Pass 24 May 2006 123,388 miles

Front Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Lower Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

How Reliable is the Mercedes-benz S-class?

Based on 692,220 MOT tests across 62,130 vehicles.

80.6%
Pass Rate
6,086
Miles/Year
39
Year Lifespan
62,130
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 25,613
Brake pipe excessively corroded 8,895
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 6,706
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 6,018
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 5,811
Full Mercedes-benz S-class reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

E301 KLM is a 1988 Mercedes-benz S-class in Grey with a 4,973cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 37 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.1%.

Across all 1988 Mercedes-benz S-class models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.4% with a typical mileage of 126,010 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Mercedes-benz S-class fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 25,613 recorded failures. If you're considering buying E301 KLM, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Mercedes-benz S-class typically stays on UK roads for around 39 years. At 38 years old, this Mercedes-benz S-class is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of E301 KLM?

You can check the full history of E301 KLM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was E301 KLM registered?

E301 KLM is a 1988 Mercedes-benz S-class, first registered on 13 May 1988.

Is E301 KLM safe to buy?

The MOT history for E301 KLM shows 37 tests with a 54.1% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does E301 KLM have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on E301 KLM. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.