CarCostCheck

Mercedes R-Class (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,578 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,691

£224/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3495cc Diesel

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2,691/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Diesel3495cc15 years old1,578 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3495cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£2,691
Per month£224/mo
Per week£52/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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mercedes brand average of 87%.

92% of MOT tests on Mercedes R-Classs from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 1,578 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 103,749 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models72nd of 595(top 13%)
Rank among Mercedes models463rd of 1,376(top half)
vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)
vs 2011 models average+15%(77% avg)
vs Mercedes average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,749

Average miles

vs

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 Mercedes R-Class had 103,749 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Mercedes R-Class by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201382%368103,868 mi
201283%622108,424 mi
201192%1,578103,749 mi
201080%474125,353 mi
200976%389118,747 mi
200882%563118,299 mi
200774%615129,577 mi
200678%648130,199 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2011 Mercedes R-Class

The 2011 Mercedes R-Class is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3495cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,578 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 103,749 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mercedes R-Class owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 Mercedes R-Class Fuel Costs

The 3495cc 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 2011 Mercedes R-Class?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,691 (£224/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2011 Mercedes R-Class

At 15 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.

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 104k 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 2011 Mercedes R-Class stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Mercedes R-Class(2011)92%£1,676£760Grp 35-50£2,691
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2012)87%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491-£200
Land Rover Discovery(2012)84%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491-£200
Mercedes E(2009)80%£1,676£760Grp 35-50£2,841+£150
Mercedes ML(2011)82%£1,676£760Grp 35-50£2,841+£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 2011 Mercedes R-Class

Is the 2011 Mercedes R-Class reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2011 Mercedes R-Classs ended in a pass, from 1,578 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 Mercedes R-Class cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,691 a year (£224 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Mercedes R-Class?

92% of 1,578 MOT tests on the 2011 Mercedes R-Class ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 72nd of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 13%).

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 2011 Mercedes R-Class?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Mercedes R-Class is 103,749 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Related Mercedes Models

Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mercedes R-Class.

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