2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  16.8% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  18.2% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 3.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Wheel bearings2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  7.7% All 2006 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Engine warning light2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  6% All 2006 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Link ball joint covers2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

  6.7% All 2006 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.9% of all 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol

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 2.6× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?