2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL MOT pass rate and common faults

233 MOT tests in 2024. 70.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time70.0%
Failed or needed repairs30.0%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 233 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.9%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    9 marked dangerous
  4. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.1%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.1%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.7%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    5 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics21.9%
  2. Brakes15.9%
  3. Suspension10.7%
  4. Tyres6.0%
  5. Body & chassis3.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.6%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2007 GLAll GL years2009 GL →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL?

In 2024, 70.0% of 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL cars passed their MOT first time, across 233 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).