MERCEDES 190 E (1992)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,492 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
1,492
Avg Mileage
123,408 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1992 MERCEDES 190 E reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 32 years old, 79% of MERCEDES 190 Es from 1992 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,492 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,408 miles.
How does the 1992 MERCEDES 190 E compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1992 MERCEDES 190 E has 123,408 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES 190 E?
The most reliable year is the 1994 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 78%. The 1992 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1992 MERCEDES 190 E cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES 190 E by Year
Checking a specific MERCEDES 190 E?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1992 MERCEDES 190 E
The 1992 MERCEDES 190 E is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 1,492 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 123,408 miles at 32 years old, MERCEDES 190 E owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1992 MERCEDES 190 E Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1992 MERCEDES 190 E?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 190 E Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES 190 E has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1992 MERCEDES 190 E
At 32 years old, the MERCEDES 190 E is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.
Alternatives to the 1992 MERCEDES 190 E
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+1%) from 5,191 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1994) 69% pass rate (-10%) from 3,632 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (+5%) from 3,316 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+6%) from 2,672 tests