MERCEDES E (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,869 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
5,869
Avg Mileage
136,033 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2003 MERCEDES E reliable?
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 21 years old, 78% of MERCEDES Es from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,869 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,033 miles.
How does the 2003 MERCEDES E compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MERCEDES E has 136,033 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES E?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2003 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2003 MERCEDES E 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.
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 |
Checking a specific MERCEDES E?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MERCEDES E
The 2003 MERCEDES E is a large car with a 2597cc diesel engine. 5,869 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 136,033 miles at 21 years old, MERCEDES E owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 MERCEDES E Fuel Costs
The 2597cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2003 MERCEDES E?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2003 MERCEDES E
At 21 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%. With 5,869 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 MERCEDES E
The MERCEDES E is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel large cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (same) from 24,924 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2005) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 24,685 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2005) 72% pass rate (-6%) from 20,813 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2005) 78% pass rate (same) from 17,079 tests