2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz E-Class

  14.7% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 3.2% of all 2004 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.

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

  2.8% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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.

• 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% 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
  26% 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
  11% 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
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the mirrors? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?