MERCEDES 560 (1990)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 94 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,607
£217/month
MOT Pass Rate
98%
Excellent
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
5547cc Petrol
Great Choice
98% pass rate, £2607/year to run. 16 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 5547cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 16 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 36 years old, 98% of MERCEDES 560s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 94 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,163 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
108,163
Average miles
266,400
Expected for age
The average 1990 MERCEDES 560 has 108,163 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 266,400 miles for a 36-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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About the 1990 MERCEDES 560
The 1990 MERCEDES 560 is a performance with a 5547cc petrol engine. 94 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 1% of all 1990 cars for reliability.
With an average of 108,163 miles at 36 years old, MERCEDES 560 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 560 Fuel Costs
The 5547cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 MERCEDES 560?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,607 (£217/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 98% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 1990 MERCEDES 560
At 36 years old, the MERCEDES 560 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. Note: with only 94 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1990 MERCEDES 560's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 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 108k 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.
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 1990 MERCEDES 560 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES 560(1990) | 98% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2607 |
| JAGUAR XJS(1990) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJ(1990) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
| JAGUAR XJR(1990) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£360 |
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
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
JAGUAR XJS
1990 · 5343cc Petrol
JAGUAR XJ
1990 · 5345cc Petrol
JAGUAR XJR
1990 · 5993cc Petrol
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