MERCEDES C250 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 52 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Diesel
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.
Check a specific MERCEDES C250
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 2000cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this MERCEDES C250
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 15 years old, 71% of MERCEDES C250s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,974 miles.
Got a MERCEDES C250 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,974
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 MERCEDES C250 has 110,974 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific MERCEDES C250?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
MERCEDES C250 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mercedes C250
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2011 MERCEDES C250
The 2011 MERCEDES C250 is a family car with a 2000cc diesel engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2011 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 110,974 miles at 15 years old, MERCEDES C250 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2011 MERCEDES C250 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc 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 2011 MERCEDES C250?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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.
Buying a Used 2011 MERCEDES C250
At 15 years old, the MERCEDES C250 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 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 MERCEDES C250'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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 111k 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 2011 MERCEDES C250 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES C250(2011) | 71% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2013) | 85% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£412 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£262 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2013) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£280 |
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
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2013 · 1598cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2010 · 1598cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes C250.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MERCEDES C250
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MERCEDES C250? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data