Mercedes R-Class (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 563 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2987cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2987cc18 years old563 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2987cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

82% of MOT tests on Mercedes R-Classs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 563 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,299 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models162nd of 566(top half)

Rank among Mercedes models995th of 1,376(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+9%(73% avg)

vs Mercedes average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,299

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Mercedes R-Class had 118,299 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2008 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mercedes R-Class by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	82%	368	103,868 mi
2012	83%	622	108,424 mi
2011	92%	1,578	103,749 mi
2010	80%	474	125,353 mi
2009	76%	389	118,747 mi
2008	82%	563	118,299 mi
2007	74%	615	129,577 mi
2006	78%	648	130,199 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2008 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

80%

-2%

Audi A5

2010 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

same

Jaguar XF

2010 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

80%

-2%

Land Rover Discovery

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-4%

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About the 2008 Mercedes R-Class

The 2008 Mercedes R-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2987cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 563 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 118,299 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes R-Class owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Mercedes R-Class 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2008 Mercedes R-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mercedes R-Class Reliability Trend

Newer Mercedes R-Classs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Mercedes R-Class

At 18 years old, the Mercedes R-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. If you're flexible on year, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 118k 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 2008 Mercedes R-Class stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mercedes R-Class(2008)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
BMW 3 Series(2008)	80%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A5(2010)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2010)	80%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Land Rover Discovery(2006)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2008 Mercedes R-Class

Is the 2008 Mercedes R-Class reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2008 Mercedes R-Classs ended in a pass, from 563 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Mercedes R-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Mercedes R-Class?

82% of 563 MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes R-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 162nd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year Mercedes R-Class has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Mercedes R-Class has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2007 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Mercedes R-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mercedes R-Class is 118,299 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.