2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Body structure rust or damage3.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  10% All 2005 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Chassis rust or damage3.1× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  9.8% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  10.3% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  5.4% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Side repeaters3.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  5.6% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.9% of all 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  43% 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
  41% 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
  30% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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 body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?