2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Mercedes-Benz R-Class first registered in 2006 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 273 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 273 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Suspension26% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks26% 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.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints11% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mercedes-Benz R-Class?
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Other years
Every year of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 446 | Brakes 26% |
| 2012 | 805 | Tyres 26% |
| 2011 | 1,044 | Brakes 34% |
| 2010 | 648 | Brakes 35% |
| 2009 | 521 | Brakes 41% |
| 2008 | 810 | Brakes 44% |
| 2007 | 983 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mercedes-Benz R-Class cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score