1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E MOT pass rate and common faults

345 MOT tests in 2024. 72.8% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time72.8%
Failed or needed repairs27.2%
Typical mileage at test119,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 345 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.1%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.9%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%
  4. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.0%
  5. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle2.0%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.0%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.7%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.7%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.7%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics15.9%
  2. Brakes11.0%
  3. Suspension10.7%
  4. Body & chassis9.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.9%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.5%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 190 E years1991 190 E →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E?

In 2024, 72.8% of 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E cars passed their MOT first time, across 345 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).