2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class · 36,184 MOT tests
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 42.4% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 25 C-Class years (36,184 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- 42.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mercedes-Benz C-Classs: 24%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 116,701
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 36,184
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.3% of tests fail here (110% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fail rate by area
- Suspension22.4%
- Lights and electrics17.1%
- Brakes11.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.1%
- Tyres8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
- Steering5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.11%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.01%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.23%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.61%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.45%
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 2.98%
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 (16.87%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.56%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (12.2%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.79%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.23%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (7.01%)
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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliable?
2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Classs fail 42.4% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 25 C-Class years (36,184 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.11% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.01% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.23% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class shows 116,701 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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