MERCEDES E (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,446 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2597cc Petrol
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2597cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 77% of MERCEDES Es from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,446 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,720 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,720
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MERCEDES E has 110,720 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2001 sits between the two at 77%.
MERCEDES E by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 MERCEDES E
The 2001 MERCEDES E is a large car with a 2597cc petrol engine. 1,446 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 110,720 miles at 25 years old, MERCEDES E owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 MERCEDES E Fuel Costs
The 2597cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 MERCEDES E?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES E Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES Es show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 MERCEDES E
At 25 years old, the MERCEDES E 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 MERCEDES E's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 2001 MERCEDES E stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES E(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2003) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW Z4(2003) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| PORSCHE 911(2003) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£330 |
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
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2001 · 3000cc Petrol
MERCEDES CLK
2003 · 2295cc Petrol
BMW Z4
2003 · 2494cc Petrol
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