Mercedes 560 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 94 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

98%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

5547cc Petrol

Great Choice

98% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 16 points above average.

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Petrol5547cc36 years old94 tests108k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 5547cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/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

98% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 16 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

98% of MOT tests on Mercedes 560s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 94 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 108,163 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models2nd of 182(top 2%)

Rank among Mercedes models85th of 1,376(top 7%)

vs average of all models+16%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+19%(79% avg)

vs Mercedes average+11%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,163

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Mercedes 560 had 108,163 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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Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XJS

1990 · 5343cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-16%

Jaguar XJ

1990 · 5345cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

-12%

Jaguar XJR

1990 · 5993cc Petrol

£2,738/year

89%

-9%

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About the 1990 Mercedes 560

The 1990 Mercedes 560 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 5547cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 94 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 108,163 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 560?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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

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 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 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 560 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 560(1990)	98%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Jaguar XJS(1990)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Jaguar XJ(1990)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Jaguar XJR(1990)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150

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 560

Is the 1990 Mercedes 560 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 98% of MOT tests on 1990 Mercedes 560s ended in a pass, from 94 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Mercedes 560 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mercedes 560?

98% of 94 MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 560 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2nd of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 2%).

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Mercedes 560?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Mercedes 560 is 108,163 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.