2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  19.5% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  13.4% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  10.5% All 2001 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Diesel smoke emissions9.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  5.9% All 2001 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  5.9% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  43% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  16% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?