Mercedes B-Class (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,925 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,511

£209/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1699cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1699cc18 years old6,925 tests101k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1699cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Per week£48/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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

71% of MOT tests on Mercedes B-Classs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 6,925 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 100,673 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models395th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Mercedes models1318th of 1,376(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average-2%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-16%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

100,673

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Mercedes B-Class had 100,673 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2008 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes B-Class by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	98%	47	23,364 mi
2019	93%	912	29,781 mi
2018	90%	6,729	39,021 mi
2017	88%	9,693	48,392 mi
2016	87%	9,657	55,381 mi
2015	86%	9,871	64,066 mi
2014	83%	15,382	72,344 mi
2013	82%	13,421	78,118 mi
2012	81%	11,092	83,827 mi
2011	73%	6,779	84,302 mi
2010	74%	8,819	90,612 mi
2009	74%	8,277	95,335 mi
2008	71%	6,925	100,673 mi
2007	72%	5,184	101,539 mi
2006	71%	4,235	103,535 mi
2005	73%	805	105,799 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

+1%

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

+3%

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

+3%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-4%

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About the 2008 Mercedes B-Class

The 2008 Mercedes B-Class is a premium car. Our records list a 1699cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 6,925 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 100,673 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes B-Class owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Mercedes B-Class Fuel Costs

The 1699cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2008 Mercedes B-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes B-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes B-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Mercedes B-Class

At 18 years old, the Mercedes B-Class 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 6,925 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2008 Mercedes B-Class Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 1,372 MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes B-Class that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Suspension42%
Same age: 41%
Lights and electrics38%
Same age: 48% (fails on this less often)
Brakes35%
Same age: 26% (fails on this more often)
Body, chassis and structure31%
Same age: 18% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Mercedes B-Class reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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 18 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.

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 101k 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 2008 Mercedes B-Class 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 B-Class(2008)	71%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£358
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£83

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 2008 Mercedes B-Class

Is the 2008 Mercedes B-Class reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2008 Mercedes B-Classs ended in a pass, from 6,925 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Mercedes B-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Mercedes B-Class?

71% of 6,925 MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes B-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 395th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Mercedes B-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mercedes B-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2006 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Mercedes B-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes B-Class is 100,673 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.