1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Sub-frame3.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  10.9% All 1999 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.2% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  34% 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
  31% 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
  25% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?