Mercedes-Benz S-Class Motor Finance

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Motor Finance

Last updated: 27 February 2026

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the FCA investigation period, which spanned from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This luxury car model is renowned for its high-end features and performance, making it a popular choice among premium vehicle buyers.

How the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was Typically Financed

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was often financed through Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreements during this period. Common finance terms included 36 to 48 months for PCP plans, with typical finance amounts ranging from £15,000 to £30,000. Balloon payments were a common feature in many PCP contracts, representing the residual value of the vehicle at the end of the term. Common lenders who provided finance for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class included Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. These financial institutions facilitated the purchase of luxury vehicles by offering competitive financing options to consumers seeking premium cars like the S-Class.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

In its investigation into motor finance practices from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) identified significant issues with discretionary commission arrangements in the industry. These arrangements allowed car dealers and brokers to receive additional payments beyond their regular fees when they referred customers to specific lenders. The FCA found that these practices could have led to conflicts of interest, potentially influencing how finance products were recommended to consumers. The investigation revealed that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) were affected by such practices, with an estimated £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total (FCA estimate) in discretionary commissions paid out across the industry. On average, each consumer could have been overcharged by approximately £829 (FCA estimate).

How to Check Your Agreement First, check the dates of your contract; agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 are relevant.

Next, look for any mention of “Discretionary Commission Arrangements” or “DCA” in your finance agreement documentation. These terms indicate that discretionary commissions may have been involved in the financing process. if you financed through one of the common lenders such as Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, or Santander Consumer Finance, there is a higher likelihood that your agreement was affected.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you suspect that your Mercedes-Benz S-Class finance agreement may have been impacted by the FCA investigation, it’s crucial to take action. You can complain directly to your lender at no cost. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance all offer customer complaint processes. When lodging a complaint, clearly outline any discrepancies or concerns you have about discretionary commission arrangements in your finance agreement. Provide relevant documentation to support your case. You do not need a claims management company to handle this process; the Financial Ombudsman Service ([FOS](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/financial-ombudsman-service)) can assist if necessary and is available free of charge.

Sources and References

FCA Estimate figures: 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) total, £829 average per eligible agreement
Common lenders for Mercedes-Benz S-Class finance: Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, Santander Consumer Finance

For further information and support regarding your motor finance agreement, visit the official FCA website or contact the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Mercedes-Benz C MOT Pass Rate

Based on 375,769 MOT tests conducted in 2024 (source: DVSA anonymised test data), the Mercedes-Benz C has a pass rate of 81.1%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%, meaning the C performs about average in MOT testing.

The C pass rate is in line with the overall Mercedes-Benz average of 82.3%. The average mileage at MOT for this model is 86,936 miles.

MOT pass rate: 81.1%
MOT failure rate: 18.9%
Tests analysed: 375,769 (2024 DVSA data)
Average mileage at test: 86,936 miles
Mercedes-Benz average pass rate: 82.3%
National average pass rate: 79.6%

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential issues related to mis-selling of Mercedes-Benz S-Class motor finance agreements?

Mis-sold motor finance for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class can involve situations where customers were pushed into more expensive deals than necessary or given incorrect information about their options. This might include being misled about interest rates, loan terms, or the suitability of the agreement based on the customer's financial situation.

How common is it for Mercedes-Benz S-Class motor finance agreements to be mis-sold?

Across all makes and models from April 2007 to November 2024, an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) have been potentially mis-sold (FCA estimate). While this figure applies broadly across the automotive industry, it highlights that mis-selling can happen with any car, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What should I do if I suspect my Mercedes-Benz S-Class motor finance agreement was mis-sold?

If you believe your Mercedes-Benz S-Class motor finance agreement may have been mis-sold, it is advisable to review your original contract and any communications with the lender. You can also complain directly to your lender for free without needing a claims management company.

What does the FCA scheme coverce agreement was mis-sold?

If it is determined that your Mercedes-Benz S-Class car's motor finance agreement was mis-sold, the FCA-estimated scheme average is £829 per eligible agreement. This could include repayment of fees and charges you were overcharged on, as well as any interest paid unnecessarily (FCA estimate). The amount varies widely depending on the specifics of the case.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.