How much does a 2006 MERCEDES E cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 MERCEDES E?

The 2006 MERCEDES E has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 7,256 tests in 2026. This ranks 175 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year MERCEDES E is most reliable?

The 2022 MERCEDES E has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 1997 at 77%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES E?

The average mileage for a 2006 MERCEDES E is 133,383 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES E (2006)

Q: Is the 2006 MERCEDES E reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MERCEDES Es from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 7,256 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 7,256 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2195/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2987cc20 years old7,256 tests133k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2987cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 20 years old, 79% of MERCEDES Es from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 7,256 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 133,383 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars175th of 575(top 30%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1106th of 1,408(top 79%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 2006 cars average+6%(73% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-8%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,383

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 MERCEDES E has 133,383 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2006 sits between the two at 79%.

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

BMW 3 SERIES

2008 · 2926cc Diesel

£1,900/year

80%

+1%

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,050/year

78%

-1%

AUDI TT

2008 · 3189cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+2%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£1,900/year

81%

+2%

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About the 2006 MERCEDES E

The 2006 MERCEDES E is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 7,256 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 133,383 miles at 20 years old, MERCEDES E owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 MERCEDES E Fuel Costs

The 2987cc 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 2006 MERCEDES E?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2006 MERCEDES E

At 20 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 7,256 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2006 MERCEDES E's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 133k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2006 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(2006)	79%	£1245	£395	Grp 30-42	£2195
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)	80%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£295
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)	78%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050-£145
AUDI TT(2008)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 35-50	£1900-£295
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)	81%	£1245	£250	Grp 30-42	£1900-£295

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.