2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  23.8% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Body structure rust or damage3.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  7.6% All 2006 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.7% of all 2006 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.5× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  6% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.7× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  5.6% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.3× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  6.5% All 2006 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.8% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 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
  43% 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
  39% 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
  38% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?