MERCEDES E CLASS (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
86,620 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 25 years old, 69% of MERCEDES E CLASSs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,620 miles.
How does the 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS has 86,620 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Checking a specific MERCEDES E CLASS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS
The 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS is a large car with a 2996cc diesel engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 86,620 miles at 25 years old, MERCEDES E CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1999 MERCEDES E CLASS Fuel Costs
The 2996cc 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 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS
At 25 years old, the MERCEDES E CLASS 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. Note: with only 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1999 MERCEDES E CLASS
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+7%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1998) 77% pass rate (+8%) from 3,539 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (2001) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 3,504 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+3%) from 3,080 tests