2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 27,500 MOT tests
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 43.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 C-Class years (27,500 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 43.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 112,915
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 27,500
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (128% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension22.1%
- Lights and electrics17.7%
- Brakes11.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.6%
- Tyres7.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
- Steering4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 7.57%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.22%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.4%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.8%
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 3.34%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.93%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.69%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.22%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (12.08%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.28%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.27%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.04%)
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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 43.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 C-Class years (27,500 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (7.57% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.22% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.4% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 112,915 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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