2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol?

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

• Wheel bearings1.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  7.7% All 2001 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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.

• Rear fog light2.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  4.4% All 2001 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 2001 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.

• Transmission oil leaks2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  4.2% All 2001 cars

  1.9%

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

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Mirrors2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  2.9% All 2001 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £30–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both door mirrors adjust and the glass isn't cracked.

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

  2.6% All 2001 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.4% 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.

Common 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% 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 2001 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 wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rear fog light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 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?