Mercedes E

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 34 model years from 495,958 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

82%

Total Tests

495,958

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Mercedes E

The Mercedes E was MOT tested 495,958 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 34 model years (1990 to 2023), with an average pass rate of 82%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and electric and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 4,602 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 77%. The 15 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes Es pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 135,367 miles, while the newest (2023) averages 32,945 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Mercedes brand average of 87%, the E is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mercedes models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2000cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2023 details

How reliable is the Mercedes E?

vs average of all models+0% (82% avg)

vs Mercedes brand average-5% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread15 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mercedes E by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	92%	53	32,945 mi
2022	96%	126	59,884 mi
2021	92%	4,602	34,724 mi
2020	90%	14,944	39,756 mi
2019	90%	41,000	54,796 mi
2018	90%	47,312	65,452 mi
2017	89%	47,254	81,087 mi
2016	89%	42,891	87,292 mi
2015	86%	44,602	93,549 mi
2014	84%	44,780	95,170 mi
2013	82%	42,002	100,537 mi
2012	81%	31,910	105,440 mi
2011	81%	30,211	107,589 mi
2010	80%	25,610	111,787 mi
2009	80%	14,250	119,764 mi
2008	79%	8,606	134,385 mi
2007	80%	10,451	135,015 mi
2006	79%	7,256	133,383 mi
2005	78%	8,269	136,951 mi
2004	78%	8,333	138,870 mi
2003	78%	5,869	136,033 mi
2002	79%	2,009	120,200 mi
2001	77%	1,446	110,720 mi
2000	79%	1,031	110,044 mi
1999	81%	1,453	121,790 mi
1998	83%	1,696	116,683 mi
1997	77%	975	105,694 mi
1996	78%	1,535	128,722 mi
1995	79%	2,442	133,725 mi
1994	79%	2,118	129,558 mi
1993	78%	599	123,052 mi
1992	80%	148	142,883 mi
1991	78%	90	110,439 mi
1990	82%	85	135,367 mi

Questions about the Mercedes E

Is the Mercedes E reliable?

Across its 34 model years in our data (1990 to 2023), the Mercedes E averages an 82% MOT pass rate, from 495,958 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Mercedes E has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mercedes E has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 77%, a 15 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.