MERCEDES B180 (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 115 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1796cc Diesel
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1796cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 14 years old, 80% of MERCEDES B180s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,977 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,977
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 MERCEDES B180 has 69,977 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2012 sits between the two at 80%.
MERCEDES B180 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 MERCEDES B180
The 2012 MERCEDES B180 is a family car with a 1796cc diesel engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,977 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES B180 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 MERCEDES B180 Fuel Costs
The 1796cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 MERCEDES B180?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES B180 Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES B180s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 MERCEDES B180
At 14 years old, the MERCEDES B180 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 MERCEDES B180's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
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 2012 MERCEDES B180 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES B180(2012) | 80% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£217 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014) | 87% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2014) | 86% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
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
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
FORD FIESTA
2013 · 1399cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2014 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
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