Mercedes 220

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 1,541 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests

1,541

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (90%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes 220

The Mercedes 220 was MOT tested 1,541 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (1993 to 2019), 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 and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 90% from 138 tests. The 2008 model has the lowest at 73%. With a 17 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes 220s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1993) averages 131,768 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 87,512 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the 220 is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1950cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,852

Per month£154/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 2019 details

How reliable is the Mercedes 220?

vs average of all models-1% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-6% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes 220 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	94%	33	87,512 mi
2018	84%	50	80,006 mi
2017	88%	92	72,900 mi
2016	90%	138	77,377 mi
2015	82%	118	103,110 mi
2014	87%	157	99,695 mi
2013	73%	40	95,797 mi
2012	83%	83	100,493 mi
2011	87%	45	118,451 mi
2010	57%	37	131,918 mi
2009	78%	102	106,363 mi
2008	73%	101	131,469 mi
2007	74%	103	134,588 mi
2006	74%	62	130,027 mi
2005	78%	87	136,001 mi
2003	85%	34	121,459 mi
1995	82%	38	110,378 mi
1993	81%	221	131,768 mi

Questions about the Mercedes 220

Is the Mercedes 220 reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (1993 to 2019), the Mercedes 220 averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 1,541 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 90%.

Which year Mercedes 220 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Mercedes 220 has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 73%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.