MERCEDES C220 CDI (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 55 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Total Tests (2024)
55
Avg Mileage
115,258 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,750
Is the 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 12 years old, 96% of MERCEDES C220 CDIs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 55 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,258 miles.
How does the 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI has 115,258 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
How much does a 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific MERCEDES C220 CDI?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI
The 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI is a family car with a 2148cc diesel engine. 55 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 115,258 miles at 12 years old, MERCEDES C220 CDI owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI Fuel Costs
The 2148cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 C220 CDI?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI
At 12 years old, the MERCEDES C220 CDI 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 55 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2012 MERCEDES C220 CDI
The MERCEDES C220 CDI is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-17%) from 101,969 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2012) 80% pass rate (-16%) from 98,183 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2013) 85% pass rate (-11%) from 71,326 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2014) 77% pass rate (-19%) from 59,048 tests