Mercedes 190 E
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 5 model years from 4,989 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests
4,989
Highest Pass Rate
1991 (82%)
Years Covered
5
About the Mercedes 190 E
The Mercedes 190 E was MOT tested 4,989 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 5 model years (1990 to 1994), with an average pass rate of 81%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 82% from 1,064 tests. The 1990 model has the lowest at 78%. With just a 4 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Mercedes 190 E has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 124,826 miles, while the newest (1994) averages 118,136 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 E is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.
Estimated Running Costs
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 1994 detailsHow reliable is the Mercedes 190 E?
Mercedes 190 E by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Mercedes 190 E
Is the Mercedes 190 E reliable?
Across its 5 model years in our data (1990 to 1994), the Mercedes 190 E averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 4,989 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1991 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 82%.
Which year Mercedes 190 E has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Mercedes 190 E has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 78%, a 4 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Mercedes 190 Es more reliable?
The Mercedes 190 E has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
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