Mercedes 500
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 1,218 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests
1,218
Highest Pass Rate
1991 (87%)
Years Covered
4
About the Mercedes 500
The Mercedes 500 was MOT tested 1,218 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (1990 to 1993), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 87% from 356 tests. The 1992 model has the lowest at 81%. The 6 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
The Mercedes 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 108,828 miles, while the newest (1993) averages 106,200 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Estimated Running Costs
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 1993 detailsHow reliable is the Mercedes 500?
Mercedes 500 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Mercedes 500
Is the Mercedes 500 reliable?
Across its 4 model years in our data (1990 to 1993), the Mercedes 500 averages an 85% MOT pass rate, from 1,218 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1991 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 87%.
Which year Mercedes 500 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Mercedes 500 has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 81%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Mercedes 500s more reliable?
The Mercedes 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
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