Mercedes 208 D

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 1,089 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

72%

Total Tests

1,089

Highest Pass Rate

1996 (78%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes 208 D

The Mercedes 208 D was MOT tested 1,089 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (1990 to 1999), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 78% from 189 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 67%. The 11 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

Older Mercedes 208 Ds tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 109,694 miles, while the newest (1999) averages 149,570 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the 208 D is 15 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2299cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,806

Per month£234/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 1999 details

How reliable is the Mercedes 208 D?

vs average of all models-10% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-15% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread11 percentage points

Reliability trendDeclining over years

Mercedes 208 D by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	67%	134	149,570 mi
1998	70%	166	143,742 mi
1997	75%	186	154,882 mi
1996	78%	189	156,559 mi
1995	77%	112	110,550 mi
1994	73%	89	108,600 mi
1992	61%	62	94,379 mi
1991	69%	80	90,995 mi
1990	75%	71	109,694 mi

Questions about the Mercedes 208 D

Is the Mercedes 208 D reliable?

Across its 9 model years in our data (1990 to 1999), the Mercedes 208 D averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 1,089 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1996 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 78%.

Which year Mercedes 208 D has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Mercedes 208 D has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 67%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.