1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 4,224 MOT tests
1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 C-Class years (4,224 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 29.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 111,498
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,224
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Strong point: brakes, 46% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.4%
- Suspension9.7%
- Brakes6.7%
- Body, chassis and structure6.1%
- Tyres4.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 2.46%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.3%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Direction indicator wrong colour 1.96%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Stop lamp not working 1.8%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.68%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.59%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.11%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.87%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.24%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.93%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.88%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (5.63%)
Other years
Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class year
The full picture: Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability. Before you pay for any Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 C-Class years (4,224 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (2.46% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (2.3% of tests), direction indicator wrong colour (1.96% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 111,498 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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