2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Link ball joint covers14× usual
  Mercedes-Benz B-Class

  7% All 2016 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  12% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  11% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  3% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Many recalls (21)

  All engines

  Recalls covered automatic gearbox faults, rear seat backrests, engine failures (2015), fuel leaks, brakes, airbags, air con, adaptive cruise and headlights stuck on main beam.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mercedes dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review

• Dual-clutch gearbox surging

  Automatic

  The dual-clutch automatic can surge and lose drive.

  At the viewing: Drive in slow traffic and pull away several times.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review

• Starter motor wear

  Cars with stop-start

  The stop-start system can shorten the starter motor’s life.

  At the viewing: Listen for a slow or noisy restart at junctions.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mercedes B-Class (Mk2, 2011-2019) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Mercedes dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 14× as often on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz B-Class electric as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?