1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 MOT pass rate and common faults

357 MOT tests in 2024. 71.7% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time71.7%
Failed or needed repairs28.3%
Typical mileage at test135,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 357 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.2%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high1.7%
  5. Side repeaters: not working1.7%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.7%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.7%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%
  9. System: component leaking1.4%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics24.1%
  2. Brakes10.9%
  3. Suspension9.8%
  4. Body & chassis9.8%
  5. Tyres3.9%
  6. Steering3.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.5%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300?

In 2024, 71.7% of 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 cars passed their MOT first time, across 357 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).