2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 19,683 MOT tests
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 42.2% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 25 C-Class years (19,683 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 42.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 108,794
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 19,683
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 10.1% of tests fail here (35% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension21.1%
- Lights and electrics15.6%
- Brakes10.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.6%
- Tyres7.2%
- Steering4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.82%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.17%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.03%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.28%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.27%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.14%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.01%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.69%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.87%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.36%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.5%)
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 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 42.2% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 25 C-Class years (19,683 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.82% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.17% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 108,794 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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