Mercedes 500 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 284 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4973cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4973cc36 years old284 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4973cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Mercedes 500s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 284 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,828 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models50th of 182(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models890th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+6%(79% avg)

vs Mercedes average-2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,828

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Mercedes 500 had 108,828 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1990 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes 500 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1993	85%	324	106,200 mi
1992	81%	254	96,452 mi
1991	87%	356	94,548 mi
1990	85%	284	108,828 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XJS

1990 · 5343cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-3%

Mercedes SL

1991 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

+1%

Jaguar XJ

1990 · 5345cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

+1%

Porsche 928 S

1991 · 4957cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-4%

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About the 1990 Mercedes 500

The 1990 Mercedes 500 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4973cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 284 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 108,828 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes 500 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 Mercedes 500 Fuel Costs

The 4973cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Mercedes 500?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes 500 Reliability Trend

The Mercedes 500 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1990 Mercedes 500

At 36 years old, the Mercedes 500 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 109k 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.

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 1990 Mercedes 500 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes 500(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XJS(1990)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes SL(1991)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1990)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Porsche 928 S(1991)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1990 Mercedes 500

Is the 1990 Mercedes 500 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 1990 Mercedes 500s ended in a pass, from 284 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.

How much does a 1990 Mercedes 500 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mercedes 500?

85% of 284 MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 500 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 50th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

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% and the 1992 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Mercedes 500?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 500 is 108,828 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.