MOT performance
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 (2009–2016): MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 213,359 MOT tests on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 in 2023–2024 (cars first registered Jun 2009–Jan 2016, on average 10.3 years old at test), 74.1% passed first time. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, the W212 failed 22% less often than comparable cars. Against the generation that replaced it, the W213, it fails about as often once age and mileage are allowed for (0.78× vs 0.79×).
213,359 MOT tests on 107,164 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
Check a specific car's MOT history and running costsAt a glance
| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 74.1% | ±0.2 pts (95%), n = 213,359 |
| All Mercedes-Benz E-Classs | 77.5% | n = 488,758 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 0.78× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00; Mercedes-Benz E-Class overall 0.78× |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 9.9% | n = 213,359 |
| Average age at test | 10.3 years | n = 213,359 |
| On sale (catalogue) | 2009–2016 | Apr 2009 to Mar 2016 |
W212 against the other Mercedes-Benz E-Class generations
Newer generations are younger at test, so their raw pass rates are higher almost by default; the adjusted column compares each with cars of the same age, mileage and fuel.
| Generation | Tests | Average age | First-time pass | vs similar cars | Dangerous |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W212 (2009–2016) | 213,359 | 10.3 yrs | 74.1% | -22% | 9.9% |
| W213 (2016–2023) | 179,556 | 4.8 yrs | 85.2% | -21% | 8.1% |
Where the W212 differs
- Steering: the W212 failed 69% less often than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class overall, relative to comparable cars (0.09× vs 0.28×).
- Road wheels: the W212 failed 39% less often than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class overall, relative to comparable cars (1.70× vs 2.78×).
- Seat belts and airbags: the W212 failed 38% more often than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class overall, relative to comparable cars (0.80× vs 0.58×).
- Brakes: the W212 failed 31% more often than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class overall, relative to comparable cars (1.00× vs 0.77×).
| Area | W212 (vs similar) | W213 (vs similar) |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.2% (-21%) | 2.1% (-32%) |
| Tyres | 9.0% (+21%) | 8.3% (+45%) |
| Brakes | 7.9% (Same) | 1.3% (-64%) |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 4.6% (-64%) | 1.3% (-75%) |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% (-3%) | 1.4% (-21%) |
| Driver's view of the road | 1.5% (-67%) | 1.2% (-66%) |
| Road wheels | 0.9% (+70%) | 1.8% (+510%) |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.8% (-20%) | 0.1% (-69%) |
| Body, chassis and structure | 0.8% (-80%) | 0.2% (-78%) |
| Registration plates and VIN | 0.4% (+13%) | 0.4% (+41%) |
| Steering | 0.2% (-91%) | 0.1% (-86%) |
Most common Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Suspension | 3.25% |
| Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 2.99% |
| Condition: has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 2.39% |
| Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.26% |
| Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 1.78% |
Pass rate by age, by generation
At the same age, the generations can be compared directly.
| Age at test (years) | W212 pass rate (tests) | W213 pass rate (tests) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 | — | 86.4% (63,955) |
| 5-6 | — | 84.7% (81,778) |
| 7-8 | 79.2% (44,663) | 83.5% (22,267) |
| 9-10 | 75.1% (77,282) | — |
| 11-12 | 71.3% (59,286) | — |
| 13-15 | 69.5% (32,128) | — |
Registration years in the W212
How cars are assigned to a generation
DVSA records don't say which generation a car is, so 73 Auto assigns each test by first-registration date against its catalogue's on-sale dates for the W212 (Apr 2009 to Mar 2016). Cars registered within three months either side of a changeover are left out, because run-out stock of the old model and early cars of the new one are registered in the same months. Some cars near the edges may still be of the neighbouring generation.
Check a specific Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212
Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.
UK number plate or 17-character VIN
About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.