1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  8.2% All 1995 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 4.1% of all 1995 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 an engine warning light.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings2.4× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  2.4% All 1995 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 1995 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.

• Side repeaters2.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  2.3% All 1995 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  29% 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
  26% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-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 exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?