1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 E MOT pass rate and common faults

367 MOT tests in 2024. 72.2% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time72.2%
Failed or needed repairs27.8%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 367 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  4. Side repeaters: not working2.5%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.2%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.2%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.9%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  10. Individual direction indicators: not working1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics21.0%
  2. Brakes12.0%
  3. Suspension10.6%
  4. Body & chassis8.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.2%
  7. Steering3.3%
  8. Tyres2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.9%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.2%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened7.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 E?

In 2024, 72.2% of 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 E cars passed their MOT first time, across 367 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 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; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 E reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).