2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

267 MOT tests in 2024. 70.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

124Well above average
Passed first time70.4%
Failed or needed repairs29.6%
Typical mileage at test125,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 267 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.2%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.9%
  7. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated1.9%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    5 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.2%
  2. Brakes16.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks9.4%
  4. Tyres6.0%
  5. Body & chassis4.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  7. Suspension3.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.1%

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: 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

In 2024, 70.4% of 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 267 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 124, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).