How much does a 2012 MERCEDES E cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MERCEDES E?

The 2012 MERCEDES E has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 31,910 tests in 2026. This ranks 357 out of 685 cars from 2012.

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 2012 MERCEDES E?

The average mileage for a 2012 MERCEDES E is 105,440 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MERCEDES E (2012)

Q: Is the 2012 MERCEDES E reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MERCEDES Es from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 31,910 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31,910 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2143cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific MERCEDES E

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2143cc14 years old31,910 tests105k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2143cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2143cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

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 E

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.

At 14 years old, 81% of MERCEDES Es from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31,910 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,440 miles.

Got a MERCEDES E you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars357th of 685(top 52%)

Rank among MERCEDES models1030th of 1,408(top 73%)

vs national average-1%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average+3%(78% avg)

vs MERCEDES average-6%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,440

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 MERCEDES E has 105,440 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific MERCEDES E?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2012 sits between the two at 81%.

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

NISSAN QASHQAI

2011 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,217/year

69%

-12%

MERCEDES C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

-2%

BMW 3 SERIES

2010 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

-1%

AUDI A3

2010 · 1984cc Petrol

£2,017/year

77%

-4%

Check a Specific Mercedes E

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 2012 MERCEDES E

The 2012 MERCEDES E is a family car with a 2143cc petrol engine. 31,910 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 105,440 miles at 14 years old, MERCEDES E owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MERCEDES E Fuel Costs

The 2143cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2012 MERCEDES E?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2012 MERCEDES E

At 14 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 31,910 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 MERCEDES E's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 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 risk

Larger 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 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 105k 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.

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 2012 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(2012)	81%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2427
NISSAN QASHQAI(2011)	69%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£210
MERCEDES C(2012)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£410
BMW 3 SERIES(2010)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£560
AUDI A3(2010)	77%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£410

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.