1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

306 MOT tests in 2024. 75.2% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time75.2%
Failed or needed repairs24.8%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 306 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.0%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    11 marked dangerous
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.6%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.3%
  8. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.3%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks9.5%
  3. Suspension8.5%
  4. Brakes6.9%
  5. Tyres5.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  7. Body & chassis2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.2%

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: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. 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 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

In 2024, 75.2% of 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 306 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1995 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).