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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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Diesel2199cc21 years old87 tests136k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2199cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2199cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 2005 cars186th of 526(top 35%)
Rank among MERCEDES models1182th of 1,408(top 84%)
vs national average-4%(82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+6%(72% avg)
vs MERCEDES average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

136,001

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201994%3387,512 mi
201884%5080,006 mi
201788%9272,900 mi
201690%13877,377 mi
201582%118103,110 mi
201487%15799,695 mi
201373%4095,797 mi
201283%83100,493 mi
201187%45118,451 mi
201057%37131,918 mi
200978%102106,363 mi
200873%101131,469 mi
200774%103134,588 mi
200674%62130,027 mi
200578%87136,001 mi
200385%34121,459 mi
199582%38110,378 mi
199381%221131,768 mi

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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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 risk

Always 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.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MERCEDES 220(2005)78%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2195
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007)73%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£468
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007)75%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
FORD MONDEO(2007)71%£1037£135Grp 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.

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Related Guides

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