2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes7.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  6.5% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

• Airbag warning light5.2× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  5.2% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.9% of all 2008 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.

• Bellowsnull× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  3.3% All 2008 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.8× usual
  Mercedes-Benz Viano

  4.3% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 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
  38% 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
  35% 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
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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 2008 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 anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the bellows? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?