MERCEDES 220 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 87 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2199cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2195/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2199cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
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 21 years old, 78% of MERCEDES 220s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 87 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,001 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
136,001
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 MERCEDES 220 has 136,001 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2005 sits between the two at 78%.
MERCEDES 220 by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 MERCEDES 220
The 2005 MERCEDES 220 is a family car with a 2199cc diesel engine. 87 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 136,001 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES 220 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 MERCEDES 220 Fuel Costs
The 2199cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2005 MERCEDES 220?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES 220 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES 220s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 MERCEDES 220
At 21 years old, the MERCEDES 220 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 87 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 MERCEDES 220's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 136k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2005 MERCEDES 220 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES 220(2005) | 78% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007) | 75% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| FORD MONDEO(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2007 · 1896cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
2007 · 2370cc Diesel
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