Mercedes 190

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 780 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

780

Highest Pass Rate

1993 (83%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes 190

The Mercedes 190 was MOT tested 780 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (1990 to 1993), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 model has the highest pass rate at 83% from 131 tests. The 1992 model has the lowest at 76%. The 7 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Mercedes 190 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 131,645 miles, while the newest (1993) averages 129,038 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the 190 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2497cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,456

Per month£205/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 1993 details

How reliable is the Mercedes 190?

vs average of all models-4% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-9% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread7 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Mercedes 190 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	83%	131	129,038 mi
1992	76%	209	142,716 mi
1991	77%	179	131,796 mi
1990	77%	261	131,645 mi

Questions about the Mercedes 190

Is the Mercedes 190 reliable?

Across its 4 model years in our data (1990 to 1993), the Mercedes 190 averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 780 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1993 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 83%.

Which year Mercedes 190 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1993 Mercedes 190 has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 76%, a 7 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.