1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

242 MOT tests in 2024. 76.4% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time76.4%
Failed or needed repairs23.6%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 242 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  2. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.1%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.1%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.7%
    10 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.2%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low1.2%
  8. Stop lamp: not working1.2%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.2%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.5%
  2. Brakes7.4%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  4. Body & chassis5.8%
  5. Tyres5.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  7. Suspension3.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine23.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All C-Class years1995 C-Class →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

In 2024, 76.4% of 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 242 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).